ODUSports.com caught up with former Monarchs Taylor Heinicke and Rick Lovato. The former ODU quarterback and long snapper talked about the excitement of the upcoming rookie mini camps and about their time at ODU.
Taylor Heinicke
Q: How does it feel to sign a contract with the Minnesota Vikings?
TH: It’s crazy. It still hasn’t hit me yet. I’m just excited to get to work.
Q: Take us through Saturday, what was it like for you?
TH: The whole day I was hoping not to get a call from anyone because that meant they were looking to sign me as a free agent. I got a call from the Vikings’ quarterback coach, Scott Turner, before they picked in the seventh round and I knew they weren’t going to draft me. He said they wanted me as a free agent. I got calls from about four other teams but I talked to my agent and we agreed my best chance was Minnesota so it was an easy decision.
Q: What kind of response did you receive when it was announced you signed with the Vikings?
TH: Once it came out it was pretty cool, kind of emotional. I started hearing from people I haven’t heard from in a long time but it was nice to hear the support.
Q: What was your time like at ODU and has it helped you in your career?
TH: My four years there helped me become a better quarterback. Coach Whitcomb (quarterbacks coach Ron Whitcomb) has helped me become a better quarterback. After my sophomore year a lot of coaches could have stopped coaching me but he continued to work with me and help me get better. I give him a lot of credit in my development.
ODU Quarterbacks Coach Ron Whitcomb on Heinicke.
“He has truly turned into a pocket passer. He handled all the protections here. He could go through his four options which is unique but what they are looking for in the NFL, very few QB’s can do that.
He was very coachable. He wasn’t my first quarterback but I feel like I evolved as a coach with him. We made each other better and learned from each other. He was coachable up until his last game. I was hard on him, but he never changed. He was the same humble kid the entire time”
Rick Lovato
Q: How does it feel to sign a contract with the Chicago Bears?
RL: Unbelievable. To see their logo next to my name is just unbelievable. To take calls from their special teams coach and general manager, it’s just so surreal.
Q: Take me through what Saturday was like?
RL: In the morning I got a call from the Bears’ special teams coordinator and he told me I was their No. 1 guy to come in and compete for the spot. It was the first time I had talked to the Bears during the whole time leading up to the draft. Later in the draft the Dolphins called and said they’d love to have me but then I got a call from my agent later in the seventh round and the Dolphins no longer had any spots. The Bears called back and sent a contract, flight info and everything, it was a very interesting day. I’m just very happy to be able to compete for a spot.
Q: Who had shown the most pre-draft interest?
RL: Miami had shown the most interest. I had a private workout with their special teams coach and I heard from them probably twice a week. It didn’t happen with them but I’m very grateful I have a chance to make a team.
Q: What is your schedule like for the week?
RL: I finished my last final on Tuesday and I drive back to New Jersey on Wednesday before flying out to Chicago on Thursday. We start rookie camp on Friday and Saturday then fly back on Sunday.
Q: What was your time like at ODU and has it helped you in your career?
RL: To come in as a true freshman and be a starter and gain that experience and then as a sophomore earn All-America honors was great. The coaching staff I got helped me a lot. I gained 35 pounds (now 242) in my fours years and improved a lot. I had an amazing time here. It’s an honor have the opportunity to play in the NFL.
Q: What kind of response did you get once the news broke you signed with the Bears?
RL: All the messages I’ve received, my phone was ringing for two-straight hours. The Bears’ kicker texted me congratulations. That was pretty cool.
ODU Assistant Coach Mike Zyskowski on Lovato
“He was a multi-sport kid coming out of high school and played multiple positions, also playing offensive line and linebacker. He was a competitor and he had an edge to him.
Rick took the mindset that he wanted to be perfect. He wanted to perfect his craft just like any other position player. He lives and breathes it. He changed his body; he got leaner and more explosive and was able to keep his athleticism.