Heyward big reason for Bluffton's strong start

A receiver since moving to varsity three years ago, Terrance Heyward made the move back to quarterback for his senior season at Bluffton.

So far the results have been stellar.

Heyward's outstanding play is a big reason the Bobcats have opened the season 3-1.

Bluffton hosts Whale Branch at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

"He's where I expect him to be, and that's doing pretty well," Bluffton head coach Ken Cribb said. "I knew he was a playmaker. I knew he understood the offense really well. He's throwing the ball well. He's a threat with it in his hands He knows his team and his teammates.

"I think he's done an exceptional job running this offense."

Though injuries have taken chunks of the past two seasons, Heyward's athleticism was obvious. Many, including Cribb, thought Heyward's future at the next level was at receiver.

But his play so far may open some eyes.

"I think he could be either. I really do. He's a big kid, tall kid. He throws a good ball," Cribb said. "What do you look for in a quarterback? He's not only a guy that can lead the offense, he spreads the ball around and he's pretty efficient. His efficiency might be the thing that surprises other people."

So far this season, Heyward has completed 61 percent of his passes for 671 yards with 10 touchdowns and four interceptions.

Cribb said even if he's recruited as a receiver, playing quarterback is a plus in recruiters' minds because of the mental aspect of the position.

"If they see him as a receiver, they're going to appreciate the fact that he played quarterback," Cribb said.

As for Friday's game, Cribb likes how his team is playing.

"We're healthy and we're getting better," Cribb said. "I'm pretty pleased."

Despite the fact his 4-A Bobcats are facing a 2-A squad in the Warriors, Cribb knows his team needs to play well, dismissing any chance his players might be looking forward to rival Hilton Head Island next week.

"We need to play well in all phases of the game. They're like last year, they're very strong, they're going to run the ball well, they'll defend the run well," Cribb said. "Whale Branch is coming in looking to be a spoiler. That would make their season."

This story was originally published September 17, 2015 at 6:13 PM with the headline "Heyward big reason for Bluffton's strong start."