<< Previous   of   Next >> For The Enterprise/SUZANNE SCHMID  (click to enlarge) Edmonds-Woodway senior Tony Heard is hoping to play for a Pac-10 school after he graduates. Heard earned first-team, all-league offensive and second-team defensive honors. For the Enterprise/JENNIFER BUCHANAN  (click to enlarge) Edmonds-Woodway’s Tony Heard charges down the field through Snohomish defenders during a state playoff game Nov. 10, 2007 at Seattle’s Memorial Stadium.

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CONTACT THE ENTERPRISE David Pan, Sports editor entsports@heraldnet.com Tony Dondero, Asst. Sports editor entsports@heraldnet.com

E-W's Heard steps back into spotlight

Senior prefers to play defense over offense

By David Pan
Enterprise Sports editor

EDMONDS

When he contemplates his football future, Edmonds-Woodway senior Tony Heard has a pretty good idea of what wants.

There's little doubt that the 2007-08 Gatorade Washington Football Player of the Year will have plenty of options when he graduates.

He's already received a scholarship offer from the University of Washington. Other Pac-10 schools also have expressed an interest in the Warrior running back/linebacker standout.

Heard plans to weigh a number of factors when he finally decides on which school he will attend.

"First off is education. Education is really important to me," Heard said. "That's No. 1 and then also how comfortable I feel with the coaching staff, the players and the city I'm living in."

Then there's location. Heard's strong preference is a school in the Pac-10, such as Oregon, California or Stanford.

"Location is real big too," Heard said.

Heard wants his parents to be able to attend his games.

"I want to make them proud," Heard said. "That's why I want to stay close to home. I don't want to have my mom and dad traveling so far to see me. I want an easier commute for them."

Heard anticipates the recruiting process will start to pick up as the season progresses. So far he's been receiving letters from various schools. He plans to take his official visits later in the fall.

Much of Heard's focus has been working on his skills as a linebacker, which is the position many of the schools are projecting him to be in college.

That's just fine with Heard, even though he's put up some truly staggering numbers on offense. Heard rushed for 2,238 yards and scored 31 touchdowns to help lead Edmonds-Woodway into the Class 4A state semifinals in 2007. He was named the Associated Press Class 4A co-player of the year for his performance as the Warriors' main running back.

It's possible that Heard might continue on the offensive side of the ball.

"Some (schools) see me as a running back," Heard said. "I'm shooting more for the defense. I just feel more comfortable. I'd rather give hits than take hits. That's what it comes down to."

But Edmonds-Woodway fans need not worry about this year as Heard will return to the backfield for one final season.

The Warriors will be relying on Heard more than ever, with the graduations of such key players and leaders as quarterback Kyle McCartney and wide receiver Antoinne Wafer. Heard was a co-captain as a junior so leadership responsibilities are nothing new to him.

"It prepared me," Heard said. "I know what kind of a role I should play this year. I've been a captain once, so I know what kind of a player I have to be on-and-off the field both. I have to set a great example at all times for the rest of my teammates."

The Warriors have advanced to the semifinals two years running and even with many newcomers sliding into the starting lineup, Heard still has high expectations.

"We've been to the semifinals two years now so that's always a goal," he said. "It's my last year in high school, senior season. ... I'd rather go out with a big bang and finish it off."

After the football season ends, Heard plans to play basketball. He's also considering running track for the first time.

"I like basketball. I love football," Heard said. "I like to stay active. I like to stay in shape. Basketball is a good sport to play. It's good conditioning. I think I might do track and field this year just to get faster."

Right now the focus is football for Heard and doing all he can to make his senior year a success.

That includes pushing himself to the limit every day in practice. While some players might not be excited by the prospects of two-a-days (two practices a day), Heard couldn't wait for it to get started.

"That should be fun," Heard said. "It'll test our conditioning."