Interview: 2020 St. John Bosco RB Keith Savage Prepping for Breakout Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Suiting up for national high school football powerhouse St. John Bosco carries its own set of weight, high expectations, and challenges. The Braves are consistently in the hunt for a Trinity League championship, always in the picture for a California state title last capturing one in 2016, and a perennial top 5 MaxPreps ranked team. The Braves posted a 12-3 record in 2017 perhaps playing the toughest football schedule in the nation giving rise along the way to a new talent in running back/slotback Keith Savage.
As St. John Bosco plowed through the 2017 season, so did Savage. The sophomore slowly but surely earned the trust and confidence of head coach Jason Negro and staff by simply making plays when called upon. In stats posted through nine games, the 5-8, 189 pound, athlete compiled a line of 231 rush yards off 37 carries with six touchdowns and showed his all-purpose nature pulling in four passes for 57 more yards.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Savage to find out how he worked his way into playing time with Bosco in 2017 and how he is preparing for big junior season in a loaded Braves backfield with George Holani and Nathaniel Jones.
Interview
Keith, how did your sophomore season with the Braves go?
“It went well. During the first couple of games I did not play that much. The coaches did not know what I could accomplish. But, after a couple of games I was able to show what I could do in different moments and earned more playing time.”
As the season wore on, how did you work your way into receiving more and more snaps on a very talented roster?
“Coach Q (running backs), he helped me a lot. He got me in the rotation with George and Jones. I got my playing time up more. He let me show the coaches what I could do on the field during games.”
How are your skills utilized within the Braves’ offense?
“When I went in, I was used more on inside zone plays running behind a pulling guard. I am kind of short, you can’t really see me but I am moving fast and I’m powerful. They also put me in slot because I have good hands.”
Where all will we see you on the field in 2018?
“I’m planning to stick with offense, but Coach Hall, because I played some safety in eighth grade, may get me some snaps on defense this offseason. I could play some nickel back this season.”
What all are you working on this offseason?
“I’m focusing on getting my core stronger and getting my legs bigger. I’m always working on getting faster. I am working on my speed, agility, and quickness. I have been in the weight room a lot this offseason.”
Are you playing 7v7 ball, if so, with which team?
“Yes. I am playing with LA Premium.”
How is that helping you?
“With Premium, that is helping my quickness and juke moves against linebackers. It helps a lot with my quickness.”
What are your offseason goals?
“I’ve accomplished one, my main one was to get up to 190, I’m at 189 now. I want to get my 40 time to a low 4.5 or high 4.4.”
Are you receiving any recruiting interest?
“Boise State.”
Do you have an offer yet?
“Yes, sir. I have an offer from Seton Hill.”
The camp and combine season is upon us, do you know which camps you might attend yet?
“The only one I am registered for right now is the Nike Opening Regional (LA).”
Keith, thanks for your time today and good luck with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credits: Erica Cabin; No. 26 Keith Savage in action