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Crescent Valley 2014 Stud A Born Natural Trench Man

His name is Will Heck. If you have not heard of him yet we would not be surprised. But you will. This 6’1″-275 pound powerhouse had a great season as a 10th grader and lead the Raiders as their man in the middle keeping them going up front through a pretty tough season that started good but ended sadly with injuries devastating the team.

Crescent Valley 2014 Stud A Born Natural Trench Man

Down in Corvallis, Oregon they know a thing or to about Football.  In many ways it is the epicenter of the State for the grid iron game with Eugene and Medford to the South and Portland and Salem to the North.  From there you can easily travel to college and High School games in both directions.  So maybe it is fitting that one of the best Centers and athletes in the Class of 2014 hails from Crescent Valley High in Corvallis.  

His name is Will Heck.  If you have not heard of him yet we would not be surprised.  But you will.  This 6'1"-275 pound powerhouse had a great season as a 10th grader and lead the Raiders as their man in the middle keeping them going up front through a pretty tough season that started good but ended sadly with injuries devastating the team.

"It was really tough to see our team mates get hurt.  But we never quit on a game and with all of them back this season we will be very tough," he said referring to the loss of star QB Tanner Sanders (2014), Austin Powell and Bryon Bodon from the line (both 2013 top rated linemen), and a host of others.

Heck is a lifetime resident of Corvallis which is one of Oregon's nicest towns.  And to understand what this kid brings to the table as a player you would want to know a little about his family.  Football is in their DNA.

"His grandfather (My Dad), Hal Athon, was an assistant coach at OSU under Dee Andros for 7 years in the 70's and also coached at Univeristy of the Pacific in late '70s.  He was a really successful HS coach in Nor Cal at El Camino in Sacramento prior to college coaching.  After he left Pacific my dad had a 25-year career as an NFL Scout for BLESTO Combine, the Panthers, Redskins and Saints.  He retired a few years ago…funny story, when Will was 2 he said,  'He should be a center'," offered Annie Heck who is Will's Mother.

We should mention his father.  Bill Heck is a sports agent and has handled some pretty big football clients over the years.  So the topic of football, and not just the typical chatter, is infused into the household in a way that young Heck has a Football IQ of  an Einsteinium proportion.

"I study all film, watch my favorites Centers and try and learn it all," said Will.

​Does this help him out on the field?

"Yes for sure it does.  As the center I have to call out and communicate what is coming at us to our team mates.  I watch for tendencies and see what opponents do.  Once I establish that I make adjustments and know what I am going to do," said Heck thoughtfully.  "I feel like it is my responsibility to make sure we do not fail as an offensive line."

​And to think he is a 10th grader.  Wow.  

​We asked Will to rate himself for his best skills and those things he can work on to get better.

On his strengths he offered, "I am smart, a hard worker, and I will put in the time to make sure I am always ready as an athlete.  But maybe the best skill is that I love pressure.  You have to have that as a Center because if you screw up you can ruin a game."

​He says he is comfortable in the shotgun and under center.  The team has various looks and is playing around with the Pistol offense.  He likes to think he is becoming equally good at both techniques.

​He continued, "My flexibility, my explosiveness, and my strength have a long way to go.  But this season I am going to way ahead of last year."

​Young guys like Will pay attention.  Learn the game, master your skill set, and let the strength piece come with age.  Too many guys are getting into the weight room too young and end up being overblown and "tight".  Will here is already one of the stronger guys in the region.  His flexibility is key and he gets it.

​Looking ahead to his Junior year he is excited.  This season the group of studs in the Class of 2013 and 2014 look on paper to be a State Title group.

 "I think we will be really good.  The goal is to win it all and to be honest it is going to be disappointing if we don't.  We have the coaches, the resources, and the guys to do it.  Last season we had a new offense and it was just starting to click when the injuries struck.  Right now all we need to do is come together as a team."

​When he is not pursuing football Will enjoys fishing, Golf, and Music.  He says he loves to mess around with music and has even taken a stab at writing some songs.  Reggae, Rap, Country, Rock.  Will says he loves it all.

Go figure. A kid like Will seems to be born to be in the Center of it all.

 

I am the Founder of the Northwest Prep Report. For 17 years I have led the way to the best of my ability to promote the best talent from the Pacific NW free of charge. It is my pleasure to continue to serve High School athletes from all over the Pacific NW and beyond. Formerly with Rivals.com my sites have now crossed over 8,000 stories, 7 MILLION Video Views, and 15,000 regular followers. Together with the best football people in the USA we pursue excellence for our NW athletes.

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