Ashland University bolsters offensive line with JA commit

It can be quite difficult to not notice the stature of Andrew Heisler during a Jonathan Alder football game.

In mid-December, the senior Pioneer announced his commitment to Ashland University — an NCAA Division II program. It is safe to say the Eagles have added beef to their offensive line.

Jonathan Alder’s Andrew Heisler (53) gets set at the tackle position during a home game against Urbana during the 2023 season. The senior Pioneer is slated to sign with Ashland University on Feb. 7.

(Photo by Aleksei Pavloff)

Standing at 6-4 and weighing between 307 and 315 pounds, Heisler’s ability to serve as a force on the offensive line would pique the interest of any collegiate program.

Heisler made a name for himself the latter half of his high school career by solidifying his skillset at the tackle position.

In 2022, he was awarded with second-team All-Ohio honors.

As a senior, the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association voted him to a first-team all-state accolade.

Heisler also gained recognition in the Central Buckeye Conference Kenton Trail Division with first-team awards both seasons.

After committing most of his extra-curricular time to football, Heisler began to understand the potential he possessed. Heading into his junior campaign, he sought to earn the respect of perspective college coaches.

“Once I got All-Ohio my junior year, I had quite a few visits,” he said, adding he ventured to Miami (Ohio) and Toledo. “I was considered a preferred walk-on there.”

While visiting with Division I programs in the Mid-American Conference, the desire to play at the next level came after he had conversations with Ashland and Thomas More University.

In total, Heisler conversed with more than 20 college programs.

“It was a crazy mix,” he said. “I’d say probably six to seven Division III schools reached out to me and probably closer to eight or nine Division II schools.

“ I know I talked to three or four NAIA programs and I think I talked to four Division I FCS and MAC schools,” he said.

Ashland’s football program, headed by coach Doug Geiser, proved to be the best fit at the end of the day.

“When I went on my official visit, he sat me down and I could tell he wanted me,” Heisler said.

The coach expressed the desire to win a national championship for the private school.

“I want to play high- level football and go win stuff,” said Heisler.

Heisler’s official visit came on Dec. 8 of 2023, after getting an official offer in December of 2022.

Heisler received offers from Thomas More and Ashland.

While Thomas More gave him a ball-park figure amount as far as scholarship money, the number was not close to what the Eagles set aside.

“I have a full tuition plus a $6,000 academic scholarship from Ashland,” he said. “My dad (Brandon Eric Heisler) told me I’d be stupid if I didn’t take it.”

Before committing verbally to Ashland, the drive home from his official visit was enough for him to think about the perks of playing the sport he loves, along with the future he would have post-college and academics.

“The coaching staff, the number of accolades they have and number of years they’ve put into this program are hard to find at that level,” Heisler said.

“Going into your senior year, everyone is asking you ‘where are you going to play in college.’ I had a general idea, but didn’t have a solid plan,” Heisler said.

“Now it’s like, thank God I know what to tell people and know what I have to do because it was kind of awkward and hectic to tell people before,” he said. “At least now I know what I am doing.”

Heisler will enter the university as a finance major or pursue a business management degree.

He plans to pursue a career in construction on the business end. He also hopes to take over the family business, Heisler Construction, one day.

The Pioneer will officially put pen to paper Feb. 7 at Jonathan Alder for National Signing Day — held traditionally on the first Wednesday of February.

Heisler is gearing up for his first season of collegiate football. While dedicating most of his time working out on his own, once he signs his national letter of intent, Ashland will include him in its offseason work regiment.

“As of now, I am trying to strengthen up my joints and build a lot more speed and power,” he said. “I am working on lateral movements.”

He will also join his brother, Will, at Ashland this upcoming season.

Being able to play football alongside his older brother again is something he’s looking forward to with anticipation.

“It’s crazy that we will hopefully play together and that I get to kick his butt one more time,” Heisler said.