Charlie Heck takes game up a notch

Charlie Heck had the best season of his collegiate football career last fall.

And it’s only the beginning of what he hopes will be even better in 2015.

Heck, a junior running back at the University of Jamestown in North Dakota, had his most productive year with the Jimmies after running just shy of 200 yards and recording his first touchdown of his career. Heck amassed 184 years on 49 carries for a 3.8 average.

“He has had his best year athletically and academically this last fall,” Jamestown coach Shawn Frank said.

“He had a great summer where you could see he was able to take the next step in his progression as a player. He had a nice fall for us on the field by not only contributing in the running game offensively, but also being a huge contributor on special teams as well.”

His best game came against Mayville State on Oct. 18 when the Jimmies won 63-6, thanks in part to Heck’s 69-yard performance. Heck had only 11 carries and picked up his first touchdown as the Jimmies won their second consecutive game during a four-game winning streak.

“We fell short of many goals that we set out for this year, but we had the best record our school has had in years,” Heck said. “

The Jimmies, who were co-conference champions two years ago, finished 5-5 this season, including a third-place finish of 4-2 in the North State Athletic Conference. Frank feels strongly about the team’s outlook for 2015 and looks forward to Heck’s final year as a Jimmie.

“He made great strides in his ability to run the ball, but our expectations for Charlie will be for him to continue to be a complete running back, by working hard in the passing game and elevating his production even further,” Frank said. “He is a very goal-orientated young man who has a great work ethic. I see no reason why Charlie cannot continue to ascend in his development. We are looking forward to seeing him take the next step.”

Frank has been more pleased with Heck’s work ethic off the field, something his staff looks for from their recruits. Frank said they want to recruit “great people” in addition to being good football players.

“We pride ourselves on recruiting great people. We felt all along that Charlie was just that,” Frank said. “He has proven over time, that he solidified our position on that. We feel if we recruit great people, we will get a great player with a ceiling to continue improving. His work ethic, ability to be goal orientated and his passion for the way he plays are traits that he beings every day. After Charlie visited campus, we were convinced that he would be a great fit as a person, student and player.”

Heck can’t wait to begin his senior season and help the Jimmies make the playoffs, which hasn’t happened during his time at Jamestown. Heck also aspires to become an all-conference running back as well.

“I would like to help my team make it to the playoffs and win the conference my final season with the Jimmies,” Heck said. “I’ve had a great experience off the field as well as at the University of Jamestown. Academically, I am excited that it is almost over.”