A mainstay on Appalachian State’s special teams, Heimrich returns for his fourth season ... 2014 is expected to be the second year that he is used exclusively as the team’s short snapper, handling just field goal/PAT duties (Will Walker took over the role as long snapper for punts last season) ... due to need for better protection and less running downfield as a short snapper, Heimrich bulked up by 10 pounds in the offseason.

2013: Saw action in all 12 games as Appalachian State’s “short snapper” for field goals and PATs ... did not make an errant snap or record any statistics.

2012: Handled long-snapping duties for all 12 games … did not make an errant snap all season … assisted on only tackle of the campaign in win at Samford.

2011: Saw action in the first three games of the season … was called upon to fill in for regular long snapper Wilson Fitchett when Fitchett went down with an ankle injury in the season opener at Virginia Tech … handled the snapping duties mostly without incident for the rest of the Virginia Tech game and the home opener against North Carolina A&T … also saw action in a rout over Savannah State.

High School: Attended Chris Rubio Long Snapping Academy, where he ranked 22nd nationally as a senior ... named first-team all-conference as an offensive lineman at Pinecrest H.S. in Pinehurst ... two-year letterwinner ... prep teammate of former Appalachian State teammate Tucker Lee ... coached by Chris Metzger ... also lettered twice in track and field.

Personal: Full name is Brett Peter Heimrich ... born July 28, 1993 (21 years old) ... son of Jodi and John Heimrich ... youngest of four siblings ... brother, Danny, was a punter at Louisburg College and Elizabeth City State ... Brett enjoys fishing and golfing ... majoring in health promotion with a minor in sociology ... plans to attend graduate school.