FREMONT – When the Ross football team needed to pick up yards on the ground, more often than not, the Little Giants ran to David Heidelburg’s side of the offensive line.
David Heidelburg
The 6-foot-3, 300-plus pound senior was the anchor of the Little Giants offensive front, opening holes for running backs and protecting quarterback Hayden Lehmann.
Friday, Heidelburg signed on to continue his career at the Division III collegiate level with Bluffton University.
“It feels pretty good. It just makes me happy because I’ve always dreamed of this,” Heidelburg said. “My mom always used to tell me always do well in school and in the classroom and I’ll be successful. I’ve remembered that and I’m happy I’m here doing this.”
Heidelburg said he was considering a number of other programs, but Heidelburg’s coaching staff and campus size provided the right fit.
“I went there for a visit, I felt home,” he said. “The coaches were nice, the environment was nice, everything just fit for me and I decided to go there.”
Ross head football coach Chad Long said the Beavers are getting a player who he believes will be a mainstay on their offensive line for years to come.
“The sky is the limit for David,” Long said. “He’s definitely a project that can be built into a monster. He already has the frame, he’s strong, really strong. If he gets his hands on you, he’ll dominate you. They’ll work with him on his footwork, on his plays.
“I bet you he’ll be a three-year starter for them.”
Heidelburg, who carries a 3.1 GPA, is undecided on a major but is considering business.
He said he knows he’ll have to up his game to see the field at the next level.
“I have to continue work in the weight room, stay positive, pray and I think I’ll be successful there,” he said. “And stay aggressive on the field.”
While Long and his assistant coaches who attended Friday’s signing were thrilled for Heidelburg’s future, they also know he leaves them with a massive hole to fill up front, both literally and figuratively.
“He was the cornerstone on that offensive line,” Long said. “We knew we could count on him going in there and giving it all he possibly can and that’s all we can ask for, as coaches. He didn’t mess up plays lot, we’ll miss him. We’ll miss that big body a lot.”