I'm no fan of Kelly

but Heck was 6'7" and around 250lbs in high school. He was a TE who just about anybody who followed his dad at ND knew would convert to OT in college. His size made offering him a full ride a risk (If I recall correctly, he was offered a preferred walk on opportunity at Notre Dame) and ND just doesn't make those types of risky moves and that has been the case since at least Faust.

His brother attended UNC an an OT and had a good run...The Heck family knew UNC and UNC knew the Heck family and so the OT offer was probably good for both sides. Walking on at ND might not have led to opportunities and/or coaching development as it would have gone to scholarship players.

I think all parties involved would say it worked out. ND has plenty of OLinemen, Heck got a full ride, Heck got a lot of playing time and solid coaching, and Heck got drafted in the 4th round.