After a freshman season that saw him show signs of dominance, Purdue football coach Ryan Walters cannot wait to see what the 2024 season holds in store for star defensive end Will Heldt.
“He’s built like a grown man. He’s still only about 19, but he looks like an adult. I am looking forward to him playing like one this fall,” Walters said.
Standing at 6-foot-6-inches and 250 pounds, Heldt will see a bigger role with the defensive line following the departure of Nic Scourton and movement of Kydran Jenkins to linebacker.
And, the Purdue football sophomore has drawn rave reviews from his defensive ends coach Joe Dineen during fall camp.
“Obviously, Will has turned into a monster right now. He’s rushing at a high level. He’s got speed. He has taken a leadership role in the room,” Dineen told the media recently.
What sets Heldt apart?
A lot, according to Dineen.
“He’s just disruptive. He’s really smart so he is going to pick up on little cues the offense gives him. He can rush with speed. He can rush with with power and he just knows where to be. He seems to be in the right spot at the right time and that is a credit to him and how he attacks the game from the mental side. Guys like that are fun to coach,” Dineen said.
Heldt has turned into a Monster, Terminator for Purdue football
In addition to “monster,” he has also been called “Terminator” this fall by coaches, and the sophomore takes all the nicknames in stride.
“It’s God-given ability and I’ve got to use it,” Heldt said. “Being in my second year in the scheme, I feel like I have a much better feel for what’s going on. Being able to use that and being fast, using my abilities, my length and speed to just win.”
While Dineen said he is not putting pressure on his standout, Heldt admits he is putting some on himself this season, feeling an expectation to produce.
“As the only guy returning in my room from last year, I feel a responsibility to lead and bring that pass rush that we had from previous years and keep the standard the standard,” Heldt said.
A season ago, Heldt recorded 12 stops as a true freshman after enrolling early with Purdue football. He picked up right where he left off this spring, notching a 23-yard interception returned for a touchdown in Purdue football’s spring game.
He said getting that experience last year was a huge benefit coming into this fall.
“It’s huge. The first time you run out of that tunnel and all the crowd, it’s a bit intimidating. Coming out this year, that pressure is a little bit off. I know what I am getting into, go out there play loose and have fun,” Heldt said.
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