Confirmed: Heyman commits to Louisville

After returning from the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Tx., Louisville, Ky. Ballard High School star defensive end Earl Heyman started directly into an official visit to his hometown Louisville Cardinals. Heyman was expected to commit to Louisville during the televised game, but held off. After a report from Palmetto Sports, CardinalSports.com is the first site in Louisville to confirm the 6-3, 270-pound speed rusher has committed to Bobby Petrino and the Cardinals.

"Yes, sir. I committed earlier today," Heyman told Howie Lindsey of CardinalSports.com Monday night. "We were going over defensive alignments and how I would fit into the defense and I told Coach Petrino that I wanted to be a Cardinal."

Heyman had set up visits to Boston College (Jan. 21) and Kentucky (Jan. 28) in addition to an official to Louisville (Jan. 16). It is unclear at this time whether he will take those visits or not.

Heyman had a huge week of practices in San Antonio for the U.S. Army All-America game. He was ranked on the top 11 prospects in Tuesday's first sessions and continued to impress later in the week. He is currently ranked the No. 21 strongside defensive end in the nation by Rivals.com, but is expected to move up the rankings after his recent performances. Heyman was even double-teamed for much of his second series, an unexpected development for the less-heralded Heyman.

"No, I didn't expect (the double-teams) that's for sure," Heyman said with a laugh. "I loved it, that is what I was made for. Really, I loved it."

Heyman played defensive end in Texas during the practices and the Cardinal coachs seem set on keeping him there. Heyman said Monday night that they'd put him into the line-up at defensive end when they were going over schemes on his visit.

"It was a lot of fun to go down there and play against the best players in the nation. It was fun getting respect."

Stay logged on to CardinalSports.com for more from Heyman and his college decision as soon as news breaks.