From local hero to NFL hopeful, the former Navy standout aims to translate his prolific pass-catching versatility into a roster spot within the Pittsburgh Steelers evolving pro-style offense.
Navy has been known for running the triple option ever since former Midshipmen head coach Paul Johnson took over in 2022.
Navy's run-heavy scheme helped quarterbacks and running backs rack up rushing yards. Pittsburgh Steelers seventh-round pick Eli Heidenreich ran for 1,157 yards and seven touchdowns in his college career.
Where he really shined, however, was in catching the football. Heidenreich recorded 109 receptions for 1,994 yards and 16 touchdowns during his three seasons playing for Navy.
Heidenreich believes his skills catching the ball out of the backfield will make him an asset in the league.
"You look at the running backs around the league right now, especially the best ones, they do both at a high level," said Heidenreich, via the Steelers during rookie minicamp over the weekend. "At Navy I was doing the same things.
"I got a fair amount of handoffs, I guess you could say pitches. I was getting the ball out that way. Then you see the route running and catching too. That combination pairs well with today's NFL running back."
Heidenreich could give new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy some creative options out of the backfield.
Heidenreich played at Mt. Lebanon High School in the local Pittsburgh region before joining the Navy. He took a brief while to celebrate the Steelers drafting him before focusing on his next goal, making the 53-man roster.
The offense McCarthy and the Steelers run varies quite a bit from the offense Heidenreich played with at Navy, though he's used to learning new things in the offseason.
"I took that first day or two after the Draft to enjoy it and spend some time with family and celebrate a little bit," said Heidenreich. "But it's time to get to work now, and we're here to make this team better and to contribute and add value. That's the biggest thing. So that's what I'm looking to do here. It’s just that.
"I'm extremely excited to be here. I'm ready to get to work. It's a change, for sure. It's a different type of offense. But I think I can adjust well. We had three different offenses at Navy. So, learning a new playbook is something that I'm a little used to now."
Heidenreich will next practice with the Steelers during voluntary minicamp.