Taylor Heinicke

The unofficial face of the Old Dominion program, Heinicke deserves a lot of credit for the school's jump to the FBS-level in 2014. He took command of the Monarchs shotgun spread offense four games into his true freshman season, thriving on quick strike throws and shrewd decision-making. The top high school offensive player in the state of Georgia in 2010, Heinicke had a highly productive prep career, but went overlooked as a recruit because of his limited physical measureables. He grew up a Bulldogs fan, but Georgia and other FBS schools didn't offer him a scholarship, so he signed with FCS-level Old Dominion, the first school to offer him a scholarship. Heinicke had his best statistical season as a sophomore in 2012 with an FCS-record 5,076 passing yards and 398 completions, earning First Team All-American honors and the Walter Payton Award (best offensive FCS player). As a junior in 2013, Heinicke fell short of his sophomore numbers, but posted his best completion rate (70.0) and cut down on his interceptions. Old Dominion moved to the FBS-level in 2014 and faced tougher competition so Heinicke's production dropped again, but he recorded his third straight season with 3,400-plus passing yards and 30-plus touchdowns, earning All-CUSA Honorable Mention honors. He finished his career third in FBS history in total offense (16,279) and fourth in touchdown passes (132) There are high school quarterbacks with better size and arm strength, but Heinicke is a very cerebral with his reads and shows the ability to absorb, process and retain information. He has strong passing instincts and anticipation, working his way through his progressions, although sometimes he can be a stubborn passer and force throws to his preferred read. Heinicke is often overlooked and plays with that chip on his shoulder, exuding the leadership traits and intangibles ideal for the position in the NFL. He compares to a Chase Daniel-type of quarterback as a late-round pick.

natural set-up and delivery with coordinated mechanics to deliver a catchable ball with tight spirals. mobile enough to run zone read and pick up yards with his legs or throw on the run (1,320 rushing yards, 22 rushing touchdowns in his career).

Diagnoses what he sees quickly, using his eyes to scan, work through his reads and make the right decision. Accustomed to a no-huddle offense and calling plays at the line of scrimmage, identifying coverages pre-snap to anticipate reads. Excellent placement on slants and loves to attack the middle of the field.

effective pooch punter. natural leadership traits and plays with heart and confidence. passionate football player and gets the most out of his ability. extremely productive the last four years, setting almost every school record and ranking among the all-time leaders in several fbs categories.

WEAKNESSES

strengths

Quick, easy release with no wasted motion and knows when to add RPMs to throws. Very good pocket mobility and presence, feeling pressure well to adjust with a calm demeanor and his eyes downfield.

shorter than ideal with a maxed-out body type. average at-best arm strength and struggles to drive the ball without a solid base. ball placement and touch drop when he adds velocity to throws, often sailing passes.

Gets himself in trouble when he doesn't follow through with his throwing motion or get proper torque through his hips, hurting his downfield accuracy. Inconsistent launch point as he attempts to throw around and over bigger bodies, forcing his accuracy to be streaky. Will lead defenders to the ball at times with a bad habit of staring down his progressions, locking on to his intended target.

almost always in shotgun and unproven dropping from under center. production dropped each of the last three seasons with only one season of experience at the fbs level.

--Dane Brugler

Old Spice Player of the Year in the state of Georgia

The Old Spice Player of the Year Award is presented annually to 50 high school varsity football athletes

Gwinnett Daily Post Offensive Player of the Year

Set Gwinnett County single-season records for passing yards (4,218 yards) and touchdowns (44)

His 4,218 passing yards ranks second in Georgia state history, while his 44 touchdowns ranks third in state history

Completed 67% of his passes (284-of-426)

Threw over 300 yards in nine games

Also ran for 354 yards on 77 carries along with a pair of touchdowns

Helped Collins to the Class AAAAA semifinals

Collected 254 yards and three touchdowns en-route to MVP honors at the North/South All-Star Football Classic

Helped the North to a 22-0 victory over the South

Appeared on the reality TV show “The Ride” featuring high school quarterbacks competing for a spot in the U.S. Army All-American game

Played for Collins Hill High School head coach Kevin Reach.

Born March 15, 1993

Son of Diane Dodsworth and the late Brett Heinicke

Has one sister, Lauren

Majoring in engineering.