DE Cameron Heyward (official thread)

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

DDN

Homecoming

Tom Archdeacon: OSU's Cameron Heyward returns to city that launched his father's NFL career



Sunday, January 06, 2008

NEW ORLEANS ? The transformation has been almost unbelievable.
When 18-year-old Cameron Heyward arrived in Columbus late last summer, people didn't so much fixate on the freshman's impressive 6-foot-6, 280-pound frame as they focused on something that was not there.
They looked at Cameron and saw his late dad ? the fabled Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, one of the more powerful and colorful running backs ever to play in the NFL.
He was remembered for his 11 pro seasons with five different teams, for those comical in-the-shower Zest TV commercials of the mid-1990s, and, of course, he was known for one of the NFL's best nicknames ever.

Continued.......

[Buckskin86]

Ohio State's Heyward inspired by late, great 'Ironhead'
By Mark Schlabach
ESPN.com
(Archive)
Updated: January 7, 2008

NEW ORLEANS -- The name on the back of Ohio State defensive end Cameron Heyward's jersey and the distinct facial resemblance are not-so-subtle hints for football fans in New Orleans.

But just in case the people of New Orleans don't remember his late father, Heyward is making sure Craig "Ironhead" Heyward's spirit lives on in the Big Easy. While walking down Bourbon Street this week, Heyward wore a T-shirt with his father's picture on front.

"People have come up to me and asked, 'How do you know Ironhead?'" Heyward said. "I tell them I'm his son, and they can't believe it."

Watch Heyward play for No. 1 Ohio State and you'll soon learn he's a chip off the old Ironhead block. The freshman from Suwanee, Ga., will start at defensive end for the Buckeyes in Monday night's Allstate BCS Championship Game against No. 2 LSU in the Louisiana Superdome.

Forced into the starting lineup because of injuries to more veteran players, Heyward has more than held his own this season.

"He's been great," Buckeyes defensive end Vernon Gholston said. "You don't see many freshmen come in and play on the offensive line or defensive line, where the game is so much different from high school. But Cameron is different. With his talent and motor and size, he's just a different kind of freshman. He's going to be a force here for some time to come."

"He's a big, strong kid and he trains like crazy," Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said. "Mentally, it doesn't seem like he can get enough. He just wants more and more. Some young guys hit the wall, where it's like, 'Man, I've had enough of these coverages and game plans, and I want to go shoot pool or something.' That's not him. He can't get enough."

ESPN - Ohio State's Heyward inspired by late, great 'Ironhead' - College Football

[Ballard4Heisman]

Columbus Dispatch

Ball in Heyward's court

The Ohio State football team's charter flight from New Orleans was expected back this afternoon. Thad Matta wasn't standing on the tarmac to ask defensive lineman Cameron Heyward his plans for the next couple of months.

"It's funny, somebody said this morning, `You think Cam will be at practice today?'" said Matta, the OSU men's basketball coach.

"I don't know if that will ever materialize. I'm sure he's pretty banged up and beat up. But we'll see how it goes."

Heyward, a 6-foot-6, 282-pound freshman, said in high school that he would like to play both sports at Ohio State. He did not rule it out when asked about it earlier this season.

Matta said he has not spoken with Heyward since last night's game and that the first move is the player's.

"I'll never interfere with what they're doing," Matta said. "What a phenomenal freshman year he had. He's going to be a fixture for as long as he wants to be at Ohio State."

Heyward ranked second on the team in tackles for loss with 10, broke up three passes and forced a fumble.

[buckeyesin07]

At 6-6, 280, he's a bigger version of Eric Wallace. I hope he decides to play--he could really be a force in the middle against some of the more physical teams in the Big Ten, such as Michigan St.

[chille37]

Anyone know if there is a realistic chance of this happening?

[GrizzlyBuck]

I know that JT does not mind his players playing multiple sports if it does not affect their studies, but I wonder if Cam's case is a little different.
If he plays BBall, he will not be working as much on his S&G this winter, although it might help his quickness (scary thought for opponents)

If Cam spent all winter putting on weight (the good kind) he could move inside and be a beast with his quickness, but if BBall kept him from bulking up he would probably stay at DE (and continue to be a beast with his size/quickness combo)

Pure speculation on my part, just thought it interesting.

[BengalsAndBucks]

Originally Posted by GrizzlyBuck

I know that JT does not mind his players playing multiple sports if it does not affect their studies, but I wonder if Cam's case is a little different.
If he plays BBall, he will not be working as much on his S&G this winter, although it might help his quickness (scary thought for opponents)

If Cam spent all winter putting on weight (the good kind) he could move inside and be a beast with his quickness, but if BBall kept him from bulking up he would probably stay at DE (and continue to be a beast with his size/quickness combo)

Pure speculation on my part, just thought it interesting.

So basically what your saying is, we have to decide between an incredibly strong DE who is still quick or an incredibly quick DT who is still strong? Its just not fair why cant we have talent like USC?!?

[Bestbuck36]

I just want to see other teams trying to box him out!

The basketball Bucks could use the rebounding help as well. Imagine sending in Heyward for the "hard fouls" situation. I'd like to see Heyward rooting out Hansbrough for UNC!