The 2016 Gagliardi Trophy runner-up, Heitland led NCAA Division III in all-purpose yards per game (223.92), total rushing yards (1,913) and carries (317). His 19 touchdowns placed 10th in NCAA Division III. Heitland had four 200-yard rushing games during the regular season and amassed 251 yards on 50 carries in the Kohawks first round playoff victory over Monmouth (Ill.). Heitalnd was also honored as a first team D3football.com All-American, second team AFCA All-American, and selected Associated Press LIttle All-American first team.
Heitland was the conference’s Offensive Player of the Week four times this season, including last week when he rushed for a career-high 238 yards against Simpson. That made him just the third Coe runner to go over 1,500 in a season; the other two — Fred Jackson and Carey Bender — are considered two of the best players in conference history. He is Coe’s first Offensive MVP since QB Brad Boyle won in 2010.
