National Football Foundation

One of the most well-balanced scholar-athletes in NCAA Division II history, Keith Heckendorf is arguably the most prolific passer in St. Cloud State University history, and his academic excellence speaks for itself.

A Second Team Academic All-America in 2002, Heckendorf has twice earned Academic All-Conference and Academic All-America District V honors. A recipient of the prestigious Presidential and SCSU Renslow scholarships, he is a regular Dean's List member and was honored by the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Football Foundation as a senior in high school. 

A Second Team All-America and Top Three Finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy in 2002, Heckendorf led the Huskies to their first conference title in 14 years. Named First Team All-Conference, he led the conference in total offense (270 ypg) and pass efficiency (144.7). A 2003 preseason consensus All-America and projected Offensive MVP, Heckendorf leads the conference in five categories, including passing yards (1,938) and touchdown passes (22) and currently ranks 9th in the nation in pass efficiency (159.9). Holding eight school records, he has passed for over 8,500 yards and 55 touchdowns in his career. 

A two-year captain, Heckendorf remains active in the community as a tutor for SCSU Athletes in Action, an instructor at high school football camps and a United Way volunteer. A recruiting panel speaker for Huskies football, he also volunteers his time reading to elementary school children. 

Heckendorf began his coaching career straight out of St. Cloud State, serving as an assistant varsity football coach and head junior varsity coach at Mosinee High School (Wis.) After three seasons as a graduate assistant at the University of Nebraska, he was named the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Western Carolina University.

From 2011-13, he worked in player development for the University of North Carolina and is currently in his second season as the quarterbacks coach for the Tar Heels.