Heywood came to WVU from Dunbar High where he lettered in football, baseball and wrestling. He was the state heavyweight wrestling champion in 1971 and was also the leading pitcher on the baseball team. He also made all state baseball team and was selected all Kanawha Valley Conference in football, baseball and wrestling. Heywood was voted most improved player on offense by the coaches after spring drills his freshman year. Coaches thought he was the second best running fullback on the squad. He was moved to fullback improved with every practice. As a sophomore he played in all but one game but carried the ball only eight times. The coaches thought that he needed to improve his blocking to become a complete ballplayer. Going into his junior year he was listed as the starting fullback after being the biggest surprise during spring drills. That year he was the third leading rusher with 479 yards on 131 carries and six touchdowns. He started eight games with his big game coming against Richmond when he gained 99 yards on 20 carries tallying three touchdowns. He carried the ball 24 times against Kentucky . Going into his senior year he anchored the fullback position.