Interview with Cameron Heyward: "After Coach Tress, I think He's Next in Line"

Gatorade contacted us with a chance to interview Cameron Heyward, and we jumped at the opportunity. Please visit their "Everything to Prove" website, linked below, for video features on Heyward and other prospective NFL players. And, of course, we give our biggest thanks to Cameron Heyward for agreeing to the interview and providing thoughtful answers.

About "Everything to Prove"

Cameron Heyward is one of 14 incoming NFL rookies featured in the new Web series "Everything to Prove." Created by NFL Films and Gatorade, "Everything to Prove" follows these elite athletes on the road to the NFL - capturing all the action on and off the field. Episodes air weekly all offseason on NFL.com/ProveIt. Other athletes featured include: Blaine Gabbert, Jake Locker, AJ Green, Julio Jones, Kyle Rudolph, Stephen Paea, Mark Herzlich and more.

 INTERVIEW

Q: During the offseason, NFL Films and Gatorade are following you and other top rookies for the original Web series, "Everything to Prove." What has that been like?

Cameron Heyward: Well, I think the title proves it - "Everything to Prove." We're going into our rookie year, and Gatorade has given us this great opportunity to show people what we're going through - the stresses, the ups and the downs, and everything that goes along with it. With 13 other rookies, we're learning so much about each other, and we're learning what we need to do to take that next step. We know this is just the beginning, but we're going to keep improving.

Q: You mentioned Gatorade scientists have worked with you, what have they helped you with?

Heyward: About how sports nutrition really impacts my performance. The scientists at Gatorade helped me understand what I put in my body is as important as what I put on my body. And Gatorade has given us the product to help our bodies mature and take it to that next level. The scientists showed us what we need to do to improve our performance, and, with that said, they get to see our whole process through.

Q: What is your fondest memory of Ohio State?

Heyward: The fondest memory of Ohio State, I would have to say beating Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl. You know, for our team to go through as much adversity as we did, and to come up on top - and beat an SEC team - it's an unbelievable feat. It took everybody around us.

Q: In the Sugar Bowl against Arkansas, you had one of the finest individual performances any Buckeye has ever had. What worked so well for you in that game?

Heyward: I don't know. Maybe it was adrenaline, or being where my dad had played before. But it wasn't just me, and sometimes I was just in the right place at the right time.

Q: Also in the Sugar Bowl, many people believed that Arkansas offensive linemen were taking late shots at you. Do you think they were playing dirty?

Heyward: (Laughs) Sometimes you got to do what you got to do. You know, I wasn't the kindest person at the time, but I really do think you had to do everything possible because I was going to keep coming at you.

Q: What are your thoughts on the situation with Coach Tressel and the NCAA?

Heyward: You know, it's a tough process, but I always got my coach's back. He's done so much for me helping me become the man I am today, and I thank him for everything he's done. And I have his back to the fullest.

Q: Do you think that your time in Coach Heacock's scheme helped prepare you for the playing in both the 4-3 or the 3-4 on the NFL level?

Heyward: I've had the privilege of playing both defenses and schemes. Where the 4-3 is based on the idea that you can play a balanced run-to-pass, and in a 3-4 you can slide up your SAMs (Strongside Linebackers)- but mostly, you like to have a little bit more freedom in your pass coverage. To me, to play against a tackle or guard in the 4-3 or a tackle in just the 3-4, I think it makes me even more versatile. It makes you able to play various positions and stay on the field.

Q: Are there any young players Ohio State fans can expect a breakout season from next season?

Heyward: I would have to say John Simon is one of them, No. 54, defensive tackle. You know, I'm just biased a little bit, because he just works his butt off and he's a D-lineman. But other players are (Dan) "Boom" Herron, everyone knows him. I think everyone will continue to know about him next year. But those are two guys that really stand out. I expect this team to make a run at the national championship next year.

Q: How do you think the team will handle the loss of coach Tressel and five other players for the first five games?

Heyward: I think they'll handle it pretty well. You know, having this much time to think about it, and having this much time to cope with it, I think they're going to make the right adjustments and continue to just move on. We're a team that doesn't rebuild, we reload. We're a team that continually keeps improving week-in and week-out, and by that fifth week, by the time they do come back, I think we'll have a pretty good squad.

Q: Luke Fickell is filling in for Coach Tressel as head coach in the first five games. What can you tell us about him and his leadership capabilities?

Heyward: He's a player's coach first and foremost, and he's very intense and very passionate about what he does. That's the way he played the game when he did. To have him as the head coach - I think he really deserves it, and I think he's going to do an amazing job just because he wants it just as bad as the players. Sometimes you feel like he's a player. He gets those linebackers fired up. To see him taking this next step in his evolution to being a head coach I'm excited for him. After Coach Tress, I think he's next in line.

Q: What's been the process of talking to different teams as you get ready for the Draft?

Heyward: This process of talking to different teams, it has given me a feel for what they do as well as what I do. I've enjoyed this to the fullest, these interview processes in which they sit you down. I'm having fun with it, because I love to show the guy behind the facemask. It's a great process, and the other things that go along with it are just working out constantly, and trying to impress just one team - because all you need is one team to fall in love with you.

Q: What are your Draft day plans?

Heyward: My draft day plans are - I got invited to New York, but I have currently chosen to stay home and spend time with just my family and friends to just enjoy this moment with them because they're the people that got me there.