Interview: 2019 California DB/WR Martin Keeley Separating Himself from the Rest in 7v7 Action

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Action Photo Credit: Raymond Joyce

Twitter: RJPSports

While some coaches at both the college and high school level are not keen on 7v7 action, the divide on the other side is in great support of the “second season.” 7v7 action in California is heated with top players up and down the coast grouping together for all-star teams fielding what would be dream teams for most college football programs. One of the many rising California talents taking full advantage of the time against highly regarded upperclassmen setting his own tone is Martin Keeley.

Keeley had a breakout season for Duarte High School in 2016 proving to be a playmaker on both sides of the ball. On offense he snared 20 passes for 476 yards with a team-high six receiving touchdowns. His 23.8 yards per catch average was impressive just as his stat line on defense. Lining up at free safety, Keeley racked up 55 tackles, 47 solo, with a forced fumble, and a pick-six in 11 games played.

The Falcons rising star is improving his route running and cover skills with Ground Zero this spring time and time again showing no matter the competition, Keeley is one of California’s best defensive backs in the 2019 class. College programs are catching onto the same idea with Nebraska already extending an offer with camp invites from UCLA and Notre Dame.

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized catch-up interview, I sat down with the 6-0, 180 pound, talent getting a rundown on his off-season workouts, a position switch in 2017, and his tentative camp schedule.

Interview

Martin, what all have you been working on this off-season?

“This off-season I have been working at the corner position getting myself right for the season. I’m getting my coverages down and working on being a better all-around player.”

How are your skills progressing this spring?

“My coverage skills are getting better. I’m playing man better and coming down really well. It is all starting to get better.”

Are you excited to make the move from safety to corner?

“It is not an easy switch. It is a challenge. I have to worry about my man now and pay attention to the receiver and less on the routes coming to me as I would at safety.”

Which 7v7 team are you playing for this spring?

“Ground Zero.”

How is 7v7 action helping your game?

“I’m getting a lot more reps at receiver and corner. It is going well. I am seeing myself more as a corner now than as a safety.”

Who are some of the top receivers you have gone up against in 7v7 play?

“Honestly, Amon- Ra St. Brown (Mater Dei 2018 four-star receiver) is the best I have gone up against. I went up against him one time at the (Los Angeles) Nike Opening. I have not gone up against too many other big receivers like him.”

What other camps have you attended this spring?

“The Under Armour All-American camp and this weekend I will be at the Rivals camp. Another big camp to show out at.”

Do you know which college camps you might attend this summer?

“Yeah. A UCLA camp in June and I have been invited to a Notre Dame camp in South Bend.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you other than UCLA and Notre Dame?

“TCU and, per my coach, Stanford.”

Have you received any more offers since you picked up one from Nebraska?

“No.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet this spring or have any coming up?

“I’m going to try to take an unofficial to UCLA and San Diego State. I want to take an unofficial to Nebraska next spring.”

I know from our previous conversations that you were excited about track season. How is track going so far?

“So far it is going really good. I’m doing the 4×1, 100, 200, and I might do some long jump as well.”

Have you had your first meet yet?

“We have our first invitational this Friday. I think we will do well in the 4×1. We are starting to come together.”

What are your practice times in the 100 and 200?

“My practice time in the 100 is an 11-flat and in the 200 I’m at 23.2.”

How is schools going this semester?

“School is going well. I’m getting my grades up. I’m focused on school and sports this semester.”

Martin, thanks for your time today and good luck with the camp this weekend.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Martin Keeley at the LA Nike Opening Regional (2017).