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ATHENS, Ohio —This fall, a former Notre Dame College standout Carson Heidecker embraced a new chapter with the Ohio football program, bringing great experience and enthusiasm to the team.

The offensive lineman transferred to Ohio after Notre Dame College shut down, leaving him uncertain about his football future. Despite the disruption, Heidecker found clarity with the support of his family who reignited his passion for the game. Coach Allen Rudolph's recruitment and the welcoming atmosphere at Ohio made the transition feel like a natural fit.

"The closure of Notre Dame College was a tough moment," said Heidecker. "It was late in the semester, and I had to quickly reassess my plans. But talking with my family helped me rediscover my love for football. Coach Rudolph's approach and the campus vibe just felt right, and I quickly fell for both."

Heidecker noted that the transition to Ohio University has gone smoothly. The camaraderie among his new teammates has made the adjustment easier. However, he acknowledged that there have been challenges, particularly with the technical aspects of the game, which differ from what he was accustomed to. Yet, he appreciates the guidance from Coach Rudolph, which has eased this transition.

"Integrating with the team here has been quite different from my experience at Notre Dame," Heidecker explained. "Coming in as a fifth year, I already had a solid understanding of football, so building relationships with teammates has been my focus. At Notre Dame, my freshman year was all about learning the game before I could really connect with others.

Reflecting on his achievements at Notre Dame, Carson highlighted his three championship rings and his 2023 NCAA Division II All-American honorable mention honors as significant milestones. These experiences have boosted his confidence and approach to his game with the Bobcats. 

"I've been part of a championship teams before and being named an All-American last year was a huge boost," Heidecker said. "I know what it takes to succeed, and I'm bringing that mindset with me to the Bobcats."

Carson expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to join the team and is excited about the future. "It's been great meeting new people and getting back to what I love," he said. "I'm looking forward to contributing and making the most of this season with the Bobcats." 

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