ALAMEDA – Raiders rookie linebacker Ben Heeney grew up in central Kansas, and helped Hutchison High win three straight state titles during his time there. He stayed in local for college and starred at the University of Kansas.

So to say the least, Heeney’s kind of a big deal in that state. So is his homecoming. Ticket requests came in heavy heading into Sunday, when the Raiders play the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.

“I had to buy a lot, but I told a lot of people, 'This is my one trip home. Buy your own tickets,’” Heeney said with a smile. “I still have to buy 15 of them, but that isn’t too bad. It should be a fun day.”

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Heeney returns to his roots as a major player in the Raiders defense. His role has expanded in recent weeks, with increased snaps over the past month. The fifth-round pick is the latest to partner with Malcolm Smith at inside linebacker, and has left many impressed when his ability to take on a larger role.

“Ben is all-go,” Smith said. “He gives 100 percent all the time. He has a great nose for the ball and, once he makes up his mind, he’s committed it’s hard to stop him from getting there. I hope he’ll continue to grow as a player and use his ability.”

Heeney’s experience remains limited. He’s only been a full-time player for the last few weeks. The results have been solid thus far. He has 34 tackles, a forced fumble and 2.5 sacks.

Heeney is an active player who can be over-zealous, but has become a more refined player.

“My knowledge of the game has improved, especially in terms of using the information to be in the best position to make a play,” Heeney said. “You only improve by getting snaps, and after my snap count increased, I started getting better. I was out there, making mistakes and learning from them.”

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That was clear against San Diego, when he played a career-high 74 snaps and had a career-high nine tackles.

“Ben has been really good,” head coach Jack Del Rio said. “He’s got the speed and he arrives with a punch. I thought he made a couple real key stops for us, getting him down and on short gains, keeping them as short gains. It was good for us to see. A nice job by Ben.”

Heeney hopes to have a solid showing in front of his hometown fans.

“It’s exciting. I grew up in Kansas, so you tend to root for the Chiefs,” Heeney said. “I’m just really excited to go back there and stick it to those K.C. guys.”