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Issue date: 10/8/07 Section: Sports

TSU quarterback, senior Antonio Heffner. ( Kenneh Cummings)

Antonio Heffner, a junior criminal justice major from Memphis, was recently named OVC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against Florida A&M on Saturday, Sept. 29.

The 6'2 quarterback, who takes his inspiration from NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana, began playing the game of football at the early age of eight years old.

"He's a good person to follow by because he's a good leader on and off the field," said teammate Cecil Newton, a senior economics major from Atlanta.

Before transferring to TSU in 2006, Heffner attended the University Of South Carolina where he was the backup quarterback for Blake Mitchell. While playing at USC, Heffner played in seven games and started one for the Gamecocks where he completed 15 of 23 passes for 133 yards and one touchdown against Auburn. He had a 2.4 average per carry on, 28 rushes, one touchdown and two carries for eight yards against Missouri in the Independence Bowl.

"I chose to come to TSU because I wanted to do something different," Heffner said. " I wanted to be closer to home and get more playing time."

In his first season with the Tigers, Heffner earned OVC honors, first team OVC and All-Newcomer Team in 2006. He passed for 1,668 yards and led the Tigers 204.4 yds/gm in total offense. Heffner was named TSU's MVP of the game against Florida A&M where he passed 12-for-22 for 309 yards with one touchdown and rushed for 67 yards to gain 376 yards of total offense.

"He's made improvement in each game," said Offensive Coordinator Fred Kaiss. "He's a hard worker; he's learned how to manage the game much better and he has a great mind frame to win games."

Heffner graduated from Melrose High School, where he passed for 1,439 yards and 18 touchdowns in his senior year. He earned all-City and all-region honors and led his team to an 11-2 record.year. He was rated the fourth best athlete in the state of Tennessee and the 15th best pro-style quarterback in the country by Rivals.com.

"Heffner is a very explosive and key player," said Head Coach James Webster. "I expect him to lead us to the OVC Championship, but he can't do this on his own."

 A typical day for Heffner begins with classes and ends with watching television.

Heffner enjoys reading, playing college football video games, and watching The Simpsons and King of he Hill.

Heffner impresses his teammates with his athletic abilities in making the impossible the possible.

"We came up with the nickname 'Houdini' for Heffner," said Newton. "He always knows how to get us out of pressure situations and he has so much love for this football team."

After graduation, Heffner plans to have a career working as a FBI agent or being a police officer.

Heffner remains focused on football and schoolwork, and doesn't think it's hard being a student athlete.

 "It's based on the individual and how they balance their time," Heffner said. "My girlfriend helps me balance out my time with football and my academics." 

"After I leave TSU I would like to be remembered by my teammates and coaching staff for being the greatest quarterback that ever played, graduated with honors, and did everything I could to get the job done," Heffner continued.

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