2026 PFN Player Profile: Xavier Heck-RB/FS-Hazleton
Tagged under: District 2, News, Player Previews
Cody Brady | July 15, 2026
Xavier Heck
Hazleton Area High School
Class Of 2028
Running back and Free safety
Jersey #20
5’9” 165lbs
1,010 rushing yards last season. 17 catches for 151 receiving yards. 64 total tackles
Other sports Basketball and track
1st team all area offense and defense. 1st team all WVC Division 1 offense.
Twitter/X @HeckXavier51936
Coach Says: Xavier Heck returns after a 1,000-yard rushing sophomore campaign and is poised for a breakout season with the Cougars. Combining speed, power, burst, and elusiveness, he’s a constant threat every time he touches the ball. Whether he’s pounding the ball between the tackles or making plays out of the backfield in the passing game, defenses always have to know where he is on the field.
Why do you play football?
There’s never been a day of my life that I didn’t think about playing football. As far back as I can remember it has been my passion. I love every part of the game and it comes natural to me. I also love the life lessons the sport has taught me.
It’s gameday! What are you looking forward to the most?
Doing everything in my power to help my team win. I always look forward to being on the field with my boys.
Who is your favorite sports star and WHY?
Saquon Barkley because I love how mindset and work ethic. He is also local and gives back to the community. He’s a great role model on and off the field.
Do you have a favorite play you remember the most? Explain:
My freshman season I was the starting safety. Week 4 against a big rival, Berwick I took an interception and ran it back for my first varsity touchdown and helped my team win the game that was at Berwick. The last time Hazleton beat Berwick on their field my father, Josh Heck, was the star player for Hazleton.
What was last years season like for you?
Last season was a struggle for me mentally as my team faced many challenges. We got a new coaching staff and our team struggled to find our identity. It was hard for me to celebrate my own personal success because my team didn’t have a successful season.
What are your goals for this coming season?
I put in a lot of work this offseason to bulk up and increase speed. With a new o-line I want to rush for 2,000 yards if not more, but most of all I want to win a lot of games.
Who is the best player you ever lined up against?
As a Freshman and Sophomore starting safety, I had to face Nazareth QB Peyton Falzone, Who is now at Penn State.
When the game is on the line, which college/professional coach would you like to call in the play?
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid
What stadium, HS/college/pro would you love to visit for a game?
Beaver stadium during a white out game.
What is your favorite Pro team, any sport?
Philadelphia Eagles
What game, yours, college or pro, was your favorite game you watched and why?
The 2025 Super Bowl when the Eagles won because that is the championship game on the highest level and my team played incredible football all around.
What sports movie would you watch every day if you had to pick one and why?
Remember the Titans because it was more than just football and taught me valuable life lessons.
If your mom and dad are screaming at you from the stands, what is it they usually yell?
My mom would just be yelling “ Go X!” repeatedly. My dad has coached me my whole life so I could just look at him and know what he is thinking and wants me to do by the look on his face.
Name one thing that you’d love to do in football that may never happen?
Draft day being able to walk the stage as a early draft pick.
Who is your mentor, the person you want to be like? WHY?
My dad because he has been in my corner my whole life and I respect him very much as a football player and coach.
Name a sport you’d love to play but can’t:
Boxing
What is your most embarrassing sports moment?
Any airball in basketball is always embarrassing.
If you could only drive one car for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Rolls Royce Ghost
When you aren’t playing, practicing or training for sports, what is your go to activity and why?
Playing NCAA and NBA 2K because it allows me to unwind and have fun.
What is your favorite football memory to date?
September 5th 2025 I had the biggest game of my high school career.
What is your favorite play to run?
Any type of trap play.
What scares you the most?
Getting injured and hearing I can’t play football again.
Music of choice:
Rap and Michael Jackson
What is the most food you ever ate in one sitting?
A whole thanksgiving dinner
What restaurant is your go to when you need a big meal?
Chick-Fil-A has always been my go to.
What is your favorite vacation destination?
Dubai
Do you remember what the first football game you saw was?
It was the Delco hero bowl in 2012
Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews
