After entering the season as an All-America candidate, Heyward hasn't lived up to his own expectations, and his numbers reflect that.
View full sizeOhio State's Cameron Heyward (97) has been solid for the Buckeyes this season, but hasn't been dominant, much to his chagrin.MINNEAPOLIS — On his 20th snap of the game last week, after sitting out just three of Ohio State's defensive plays, Ohio State senior Cameron Heyward timed the snap count perfectly, shot past Purdue's left tackle untouched, jumped over a Boilermakers running back that dove at his feet, landed, ate up ground in three giant strides and wiped out Purdue quarterback Rob Henry with his left arm, driving him to the ground.
And Henry completed the pass for a first down. That's what the first eight games of the season have been like for the Buckeyes' best defender. Active, but in the end, not as productive as hoped.
After entering the season as an All-America candidate, Heyward hasn't lived up to his own expectations, and his numbers reflect that. Though he was named one of the 12 semifinalists for the Lombardi Award this week, among the nine defensive linemen in that elite group, Heyward ranks last with 25 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
"I'm not happy," Heyward said. "I expected to make more plays and even have more production. . . . I haven't dominated a game yet. I just look forward to playing good and every chance out there trying to make the most out of it."
Heyward is definitely playing more than he did a year ago, when OSU defensive coordinator Jim Heacock estimated that Heyward played about 60 percent of the defensive snaps. The goal this year was closer to 80 to 90 percent of the snaps. Against Purdue, for instance, before the first-team defense came out late in the third quarter, Heyward was on the field for 36 of 39 plays.
"I don't really feel it at all," Heyward said of the extended workload. "We're already at eight games, but I feel pretty good."
And he looks good at times. Heyward never gives up on a play and obviously moves well for a defensive lineman. And he is getting double-teamed a fair amount.
"He'd definitely be the guy that you would circle on the scouting report," said OSU offensive lineman Bryant Browning, who often faces Heyward in practice, "because he's a game-changer."
On Wisconsin's 19-play touchdown drive two weeks ago that gave the Badgers a 21-0 lead, Heyward was doubled-teamed six times. On one big run for Wisconsin's John Clay, Heyward actually split the double team of the left tackle and tight end, but got caught up and looked like he was being stretched on a rack as Clay hit the hole just inside him.
Teams also seem to run away from Heyward when they can as they game plan for him. Heyward was surprised to actually hear Purdue players call out his name, "Heyward, Heyward," before some plays last week. And many of the Buckeyes' opponents so far have been spread-offense teams that put a premium on short drop-backs and quick passes, not giving the Ohio State defensive line a chance to get a pass rush. The Buckeyes' 11 sacks rank eighth in the Big Ten.
But there's something to be said for great players just finding a way and making a play. And that hasn't been what Heyward has done on a regular basis, as he's been handled one-on-one by offensive linemen for stretches.
"Sometimes if I'm getting double-teamed, I just have to make more plays," Heyward said. "I have to expect it more and get off blocks. I've just got to use my hands a little bit more. I think last year I used my hands pretty good. Quarterbacks are getting it out pretty quick, but that's no excuse for it. I've just got to get in the backfield more."
He may be about to get it going, with Minnesota waiting for him tonight. Last week against Purdue, when he had five tackles, Heyward was named the Buckeyes' defensive player of the week for the first time this season.
"He hasn't had the production points, so that's a fact," OSU coach Jim Tressel said. "He does have a high bar, and I'm sure he sat down in the quiet of his room and said, 'I'm going to have X number of a sacks.' And he practices like he's not there yet. And he's in there lifting weight at 6 in the morning. He wants to be good."
Heyward is good, no doubt. He's searching for great.
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: dlesmerises@plaind.com, 216-999-4479