Taylor Heinicke

QB · Old Dominion
The unofficial face of the Old Dominion program, Heinicke deserves a lot of credit for the school's jump to the FBS-level in 2014. He took command of the Monarchs shotgun spread offense four games into his true freshman season, thriving on quick strike throws and shrewd decision-making. The top high school offensive player in the state of Georgia in 2010, Heinicke had a highly productive prep career, but went overlooked as a recruit because of his limited physical measureables. He grew up a Bulldogs fan, but Georgia and other FBS schools didn't offer him a scholarship, so he signed with FCS-level Old Dominion, the first school to offer him a scholarship. Heinicke had his best statistical season as a sophomore in 2012 with an FCS-record 5,076 passing yards and 398 completions, earning First Team All-American honors and the Walter Payton Award (best offensive FCS player). As a junior in 2013, Heinicke fell short of his sophomore numbers, but posted his best completion rate (70.0) and cut down on his interceptions. Old Dominion moved to the FBS-level in 2014 and faced tougher competition so Heinicke's production dropped again, but he recorded his third straight season with 3,400-plus passing yards and 30-plus touchdowns, earning All-CUSA Honorable Mention honors. He finished his career third in FBS history in total offense (16,279) and fourth in touchdown passes (132) There are high school quarterbacks with better size and arm strength, but Heinicke is a very cerebral with his reads and shows the ability to absorb, process and retain information. He has strong passing instincts and anticipation, working his way through his progressions, although sometimes he can be a stubborn passer and force throws to his preferred read. Heinicke is often overlooked and plays with that chip on his shoulder, exuding the leadership traits and intangibles ideal for the position in the NFL. He compares to a Chase Daniel-type of quarterback as a late-round pick.