2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jake Heimlicher, DE, Penn

• Name: Jake Heimlicher
• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 250 lbs.
• Position: DE
• College: University of Pennsylvania
• Twitter: jake_heimlicher
• Instagram: jake_heimlicher

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
My experience in college has been different, having to take online courses throughout the pandemic. Although, I’ve generally had a good time. My major has been in Finance, and I’ll be graduating this upcoming fall. I am interning this summer with the 76ers with their sponsorships and partnerships.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
Definitely my work ethic, being the first one in and last one out.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
Last season, I was a team captain. I am used to having a leadership role on our team. I’m a leader of our defense on and off the field. On the field, I’m a great pass rusher, playing the DE. I do a good job of setting the edge and getting after the QB. We mostly run a 4-3 base scheme where I have my hand in the dirt. Although, I occasionally stand up in a 3-4 and have dropped back into coverage. My team also utilizes my length as a blocker on FGs.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Hunter Nourzad played for Cornell and recently transferred to Penn State. He’s probably the best tackle I’ve faced. He’s quick and able to reset his feet well. He uses his hands well and has the ability to grab his opponent, taking him out of the play.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Prince Emili has been the most impressive teammate to date. He was a great leader and captain. He lived in the weight room and was very powerful. He set a great example for me to follow. He’s with the Buffalo Bills right now.

One of the most talented guys on our team this year is Trevor Radosevich. Coming in as a defensive player, he’s transformed his body and game into one of the best linemen in the Ivy League. Another guy that deserves credit for his transition is Garrett Morris. I expect him to have a solid year at LB this season. Trevor Mayberry is an up-and-coming lineman to look out for. He’s strong and quick. I expect Rory Starkey to be one of the better WRs in the Ivy League this year. He’s got good reach and speed. So, definitely keep an eye on him.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
I think most people would agree that the COVID-19 pandemic affected a lot. The Ivy League decided to be very cautious and strict, being the first to shut down their season and setting a lot of limitations on athletes. We were closed off from the weight room and training facilities, and had to make things work on our own. I helped build a gym in our basement so we had a place to work out, completely destroying our floor with some of the heavier lifts. I was down there 2-3 hours a day just trying to stay focused and committed to staying in shape. That commitment helped prepare me to have the best season of my career.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I enjoyed playing baseball growing up and would have probably stuck with that. I also ran on the track team. I moved to Colorado in high school and might have played lacrosse out there.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m very proud of getting through the #1 business school in the world and that I’ll have my degree very soon. I led my team in sacks last season and had the most tackles on our defensive line. I haven’t reached my biggest achievement yet and hope to show out this year, giving myself the best chance to go pro.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
My favorite moment was against Brown this past season. It was the 2nd quarter just before going into halftime. Brown was in a 3rd and long with an obvious pass situation. I got a great spin move off the tackle and wrapped up the QB for the sack. That forced them to go for a long FG which we actually blocked. I had 3 sacks in that game, and we came away with our largest win of the season, 45-17.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Living in Colorado, I became a fan of the Denver Broncos. I have enjoyed watching Von Miller over the years. He’s very athletic with great mobility and bend that makes him one of the most dangerous edge rushers in the game.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Pop Smoke is one of the artists that I enjoy listening to before games.

What is your favorite comfort food?
I enjoy eating pizza. I’m also a sucker for Chocolate Devil’s Food Cake.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
I really like the movie Gladiator. Interstellar with Matthew McConaughey is my favorite movie.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I enjoy being outside, going hiking and skiing in the Colorado mountains. I also like being out on the water, boating and doing water sports like wakeboarding.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I really have a passion for the game. I had a great DL coach in high school who instilled in me that passion. What motivates me is that I am a competitor. I want to be the best at what I do, testing my limitations and striving to play at the next level.