PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Put yourself in the position of being a 22-year-old with years of experience and now a teenager is telling you what to do. Why does this work so well for 19-year-old Mason Heintschel leading the Pitt football team?
It’s when you hear his coordinator and teammates discuss why they believe in Heintschel, even with only eight career starts.
“When you walk in and you are the same person from the first day you stepped on campus to when you became the starter to the next offseason and you haven’t changed,” said Pitt offensive coordinator Kade Bell. “And you work your butt off more than anybody in this building, and you care more about the team than yourself, I think that’s what makes him a great leader.”
“He’s about winning.”
“He’s phenomenal,” said senior offensive tackle Ryan Baer. “For how young he is, I don’t think there are many people like him in the country. So mature to be able to step up. How he handled everything, I think he’s one of a kind.”
“He’s a great guy on and off the field,” said redshirt senior transfer tight end Carson Kent. “Actually, it threw me off when he told me his age. He seems like he’s 22-years-old. He’s a great leader and that’s what makes him seem older than his age. That’s kind of a rare breed to find someone leading a team at such a young age as he is.”
“I think that’s something my parents instilled in me as a kid,” Heintschel said. “I also think that comes with the position that we play as well. As a quarterback on the field, I think you are kind of a built-in leader in some aspect. I also think it’s a testament to the guys in this locker room. They make it easy for me to lead. Everybody’s got open ears with the willingness to learn and get better.”
Heintschel said he’s getting respect from the younger players as well. He said one of the freshmen receivers was saying ‘yes sir’ and ‘no sir’ to him as he was trying to go over a few things. The second-year starter said he told the coaches how he appreciates that attitude because it then makes it easier for him to lead.
The sophomore said his team is not selfish, they are receptive to criticism and able to grow from it.
“The willingness of them to take what I’m saying and apply it to their game,” Heintschel said. “It’s a testament to these guys in this locker room and it’s going to take us a long way. I’m excited for people to be able to see that.”
“He’s amazing,” said running back Ja’Kyrian Turner. “He’s one of those ones. He lifts everybody up, including himself. He always says it starts with him.”
“I thank him and appreciate him every day for being the leader that he is. His demeanor changes everything, his love for the game, he’s just a dog.”
“Amazing, fantastic, legendary,” said receiver Tony Kinsler. “I remember when he first game in, he was always doing the right thing. Just being a leader, good character. Whatever he says, we are receptive of it. When you are a good person and good leader, it makes you want to do good.”
“He wants to be perfect,” Bell said. “When you have a person like that who is the leader of your team striving for perfection, that’s not ok with mediocrity. I think it raises everybody’s game.”
To contend again for an ACC title, they need a great quarterback. There is work to do on the field, but it seems Heintschel is preparing himself and everyone around him to make that jump.
What teammates and coaches said of the 19-year-old QB
What teammates and coaches said of the 19-year-old QB
