A year ago as a rookie, Texans offensive tackle Charlie Heck struggled mightily during training camp.
Drafted in the fourth round out of North Carolina, Heck encountered a steep learning curve while adjusting to the superior speed of experienced pass rushers.
Heck made progress eventually, appearing in three games during his first NFL season with one start.
The son of Kansas City Chiefs offensive line coach Andy Heck has made significant upgrades to his game and strength after devoting himself in the offseason to intense weightlifting sessions with Texans strength and conditioning coach Mike Eubanks during the offseason conditioning program as well as a lot of private sessions with teammates, including center Justin Britt, overseen by elite trainer Billy Voltaire of Volt PT at Kinitro Fitness.
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The 6-foot-8, 311-pounder has put on some serious muscle and is able to hold is own now at the point of attack while occasionally lining up at right tackle with the starters when first-team right tackle Tytus Howard lines up at offensive guard.
“A big improvement, and that started in the offseason," Texans coach David Culley said. "He's gotten stronger. Charlie knew what he needed to do. He's done everything. The one thing about him, because his pedigree is pretty good, he's basically done everything you would want done to be able to improve from Year One to Year Two, and we're starting to see that. And he's got to continue to do that.”
Aaron Wilson has covered the NFL for 20 seasons, including the Texans, Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars. He has previously written for The Houston Chronicle and The Baltimore Sun. He’s on Twitter: @AaronWilson_NFL and Instagram: @aaronwilson7128.