Maryland offensive tackle Stephon Heyer joinsseven teammates at graduation on Thursday. But instead of a party, he’ll head to afternoon practice.
“I’ll go out there in my cap and gown and play football,” said Heyer, jokingly. “Like a lot of things in my life, I have responsibilities both on and off the field.”
Heyer is spending his final days on campus readying for the Champs Sports Bowl on Dec. 29. He returned for his fifth season after missing last year with a torn knee ligament to earn the nickname “Old Guy” from teammates.
Indeed, Heyer knows the offense so well he helps teach it to underclassmen. After all, he needed more classroom time after taking just one course to earn his criminal justice degree. The slow academic schedule provided time for extensive rehab, though.
“One class — it was challenging, but it was easy going twice a week and then using the extra time off for rehab,” Heyer said. “It was a good fit for me.”
The left tackle is probably a mid-round NFL prospect and the final season has increased interest. After the Terrapins meet Purdue in their first bowl game in three years, Heyer is invited to the seniors-only Hula Bowl on Jan. 14.
With left tackles at a premium, especially those with the wingspan of a pterodactyl, Heyer will gain a long look by the pros. However, a good effort in the bowls is needed to merit an invitation to the NFL Combine that most top prospects attend.
“I feel confident in my abilities,” he said. “I’ll play hard to do the most I can.”
Coach Ralph Friedgen said Heyer started slowly after the long layoff, but finally returned to his earlier form by midseason. The Terps suddenly won five straight games as the running attack improved and quarterback Sam Hollenbach’s blind side was protected.
“Since the Georgia Tech game [on Oct. 7], I saw a new resolve in Stephon for the rest of the year,” Friedgen said. “He has really come up big in games likeClemson, Miami. Many times he was one-on-one with guys and did the job.
“It hasn’t been easy for him and yet he’s quietly gone about his business. I’m really proud of how hard he’s worked and played the last eight games of this season.”
If the NFL doesn’t work, Heyer said there could be one more graduation ahead — law school. After all, judges wear gowns, too.
Rick Snider has covered local sports for 28 years. Contact him at [email protected]
