Alabama targeting Pennsylvania lineman
The University of Alabama signed an outstanding offensive line class in 2023 led by the nation’s top offensive tackle, Kadyn Proctor. Great offensive lines are not built overnight. Successful recruiting year after year is important. The Crimson Tide has its eyes on several targets in the 2024 class including Pennsylvania native, Kevin Heywood.
Heywood played his freshman season at Bishop McDevitt in Wyncote before the school closed. He followed head coach Mike Watkins to Archbishop Wood in Warminster where he attended during the following two seasons.
Coach Watkins had an opportunity to accept a position as the head coach at The Pennington School in New Jersey. Heywood transferred to Pope John Paul II in Royersville which is within walking distance to his home.
It’s been a unique high school journey so far, and it will end with Heywood’s choice of just about any college in the country. His first scholarship offer was earned from UConn last summer. The offers continued with each camp- Penn State, Rutgers and Michigan.
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Alabama offered Heywood during spring tour
Several offers were delivered throughout the fall, and also from programs he had not seen in person. Heywood spent most of his time in the Northeast where college coaches were able to see him in camp or available to visit his school.
Programs in the Southeast, and other areas of the country, were eager to get Heywood on campus this spring. He took a Southeast swing in April which included trips to Alabama, Auburn, Kentucky and Tennessee. Alabama was the only school, of this group, not extending an offer at this point.
“I think any time you have an opportunity to play for Nick Saban and a program with the history of Alabama it will shell shock you,” said his former head coach, Matt Watkins.
“There’s just a lot to process. Kev can play at any school in the country. Alabama came in a little later than others, but he camped at a lot of other places. It’s easy for schools to pull the trigger when they see him in person.”
Heywood has taken a step back from the recruiting limelight. His family has provided information and permission to Coach Watkins to provide information regarding his recruitment. He noted Heywood is patient with the process while trying to collect as much knowledge on each program in consideration for an official visit. Alabama hopes to secure one.
Offensive line coach Eric Wolford visited Heywood’s new school on Tuesday. Alabama likes for players to compete in a camp setting, but after seeing Heywood a few times in the less than a month the focus is more about bringing the heavily recruited lineman in for an official visit rather than a work-out.
“It’s a humbling offer,” Coach Watkins said regarding the Tide’s interest. “He has an opportunity to play for Nick Saban. He is considering them, but he’s gonna give each school the same opportunity.
“I know he really enjoyed his time down there. He really enjoys Coach Wolf (Wolford) and everything they do down there. It’s big-time football.”
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Sky is the limit for the massive lineman
Coach Watkins raved about Heywood’s competitive spirit and how he plays with a nasty streak. He expects he will play left or right tackle at the next level. He also did not start until his junior season. Coach Watkins said Heywood’s ability to bend, to go along with his athleticism, is what has college coaches lining up for a signature.
“His ceiling is so high,” he said. “He has a lot of tread left on the tires. He is still raw from a skill set. Forget his frame- he just wants it. He loves to compete and approaches everything that way. He has a great attitude towards the game. That what separates him from a lot of players.
“He loves the process. He loves getting developed, and loves to be recruited. You now add in the frame to his competitiveness and that’s what coaches love to see. He’s pretty damn good at pushing people around. Coaches see a huge upside. I think he is someone who can compete and play early.”
Heywood is described by his former coach as a no-nonsense type player. He is not interested in top school graphics, announcing a decision with hats on the table or wasting anyone’s time. Heywood has a great support system behind him including his mom and stepfather who have also been on all the visits.
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Heyward open to leaving the state
Penn State has long been thought of as the leader in Heywood’s recruitment. He earned an offer from the Nittany Lions last summer. He has visited a few times, and there is pressure to remain in state for one of the top overall recruits in the Keystone State.
“A lot of people thought he would be committed by now,” Coach Watkins said. “He is sticking with his plan though. He wants to give complete consideration to each program recruiting him and make the best decision for his future.
“I can see why people expect him to go to Penn State. He has built a great relationship with Coach (James) Franklin and Coach (Phil) Trautwein. He spent a great deal of time on campus. He’s one of the top recruits in the state. I know he enjoys Penn State, but he’s going to go through the process and not get too overwhelmed and not get too emotional.”
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