Andrew Heidel believes some of his strongest qualities as a quarterback and football player are work ethic, making quick decisions, running tough and passing accuracy.
Army looks for many of those qualities in its offensive leader under center. The Manatee (Fla.) quarterback’s unofficial visit to West Point confirmed the right fit late last month.
From meeting with Army coach Jeff Monken and offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Cody Worley, talking to current starting quarterback Bryson Daily and touring the campus and football facilities, Heidel left impressed.
Following a meeting with Army recruiting coach Daryl Dixon in person for the first time at Manatee High a week later, Heidel was closer to his decision. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound quarterback made his commitment official Friday and joined the Black Knights’ 2025 recruiting class.
“After talking with my family and praying, I decided it was the place that I wanted to be,” Heidel said. “I’m blessed to have the opportunity to not only go to a prestigious school and play at a high level of college football but also the opportunity to be a part of a true brotherhood and to be able to serve my country.”
Heidel’s commitment continues Army’s recent run of quarterbacks from the Sunshine State. Luke Knight (Wiregrass Ranch) and Harrison Orr (Fort Walton Beach) are members of the Black Knights’ 2024 recruiting class.
Heidel was named the Manatee’s most valuable player in 2023, completing 65 percent of his passes for 2,617 yards and 25 touchdowns. He threw for a school-record 412 yards and four TDs against Port Charlotte last season. Though Heidel hasn’t called many plays from under center (Army’s predominant scheme) at Manatee, he thinks playing in an offense that runs a lot of RPOs (run-pass option) will fit with Army’s main scheme.
“I believe it will correlate well to Army’s offense,” said Heidel as well as his work ethic. “I’m always doing something to get better. And most importantly, putting the team first.”
Heidel’s deep military family history also attracted him to Army. His family members have served in World War II and Vietnam in the Marines and Army.
“It’s a great honor to be able to keep the legacy of military service in my family and I am looking forward to becoming a part of the military community.”
2025 Army football commits (12)
RB-WR Elijah Bechtel, 6-2, 195, Damien HS, LaVerne, Calif.: Other offers – Arizona State, Jacksonville State, UNLV. Committed during visit, March 16.
RB Stroman Bridges, 6-foot, 195, Midland (Texas) HS
DB Jaden Dabbs, 6-1, 170, Oscar Smith HS, Chesapeake, Va.: Other offers – Old Dominion, UConn
LB Carson Daniell, 6-1, 225, St. Paul’s School, Concord, N.H.
DL Richard Denny, 6-4, 223, Riverside Baptist School, Upper Marlboro, Md.: Other offers – Navy
DL Michael Goodale, 6-4, 240, Chiefland (Fla.) HS: First offer – Army
QB Andrew Heidel, 6-2, 190, Manatee HS, Bradenton, Fla.
WR-S Wes Johnston, 6-3, 200, Pope John HS, Sparta, N.J.
QB Jaden Pydyn, 6-1, 200, Detroit Catholic Central HS, Novi, Mich.: Army visit: March 9. Committed to play Army football and baseball.
DL Jaden Rogers, 6-5, 240, Brighton (Mich.) HS: Attended Elite Junior Day (Feb. 2024).
LB Jake Starcevic, 6-2, 200, Kindred (N.D.) HS
LB Arion Whitt, 6-1, 210, Fleming Island (Fla.) HS: First offer – Army. Other offers – Navy. Army visit – April 12 (spring game). Committed after Black and Gold game.
States represented (9) – Florida (3), Michigan (2), California, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Texas, Virginia
