Interview: Bright Future Ahead for California 2019 SS/WR Martin Keeley with Nebraska Offer

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

All of the pats on the back from friends, family, and coaches to a football player helps motivate individuals going forward, but the ultimate acknowledgement for a high school football player knowing that all is on track towards success is a scholarship offer. Duarte High School’s super sophomore Martin Keeley has received the ultimate honor giving him fuel to the motivational fire to keep working hard going forward.

Keeley was a big welcomed surprise during the 2016 season making his mark on both sides of the ball for the Falcons. The 6-0, 180 pound, playmaker pulled in 20 passes for 476 yards with six touchdowns. His receiving yards was tops on the team as was his six touchdowns. The playmaker label sticks with a 23.8 yard per reception average. On the other side of the ball, Keeley did not let up recording 55 tackles, 47 solo, one interception returned for a touchdown, and one forced fumble.

A flood of college interest has not come to Keeley yet, but one school sees a promising future in the southern California native – Nebraska. The Cornhuskers offered Keeley on Jan. 25. Teams like UCLA and TCU may turn interest into offers in the coming months.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Keeley going over his breakout sophomore season while getting an update on his off-season plans.

Interview

Martin, did you have an idea going into your sophomore season that you would have as big of an impact on your team as you did?

“Honestly, not really. There were a lot of seniors on the team. I knew I would have to fight in practice to start. I was surprised that I started right from the gate.”

You lined up at safety and receiver, which position do you like best?

“I like safety more, I am a cover type and hard hitting player. Anytime someone comes to my side of the field it is getting picked off or they are getting cracked.”

I like that. What are the strengths of your game at safety?

“Reading my keys. My one to two reads on coverages and knowing where the ball is going. Most players stare down where they are going if it is a post or a corner. I am good at reading quarterbacks too.”

What about at receiver, what are your strengths there?

“Mostly my releases off a good DB, if he will jam or not. They will tense up on a jam. I know to release inside to get separation between him and me.”

Next season will your role change or will you play different positions?

“My coaches are telling me to work at corner and slot. I think I will be on kick return and punt return next year too.”

What will be the focus of your off-season workouts?

“Overall getting faster, my footwork, and getting used to my positions. I want to get more aggressive with good technique.”

Which camps are you planning on attending this spring and summer?

“I’m not sure yet. I’m waiting on invites.”

Which position will you compete at during the camps when you do attend?

“At most of the camps I will go as a corner or as a defensive back.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“Nebraska right now. I have talked to Coach (Demetrice) Martin (defensive backs coach) at UCLA and Coach (Chad) Glasgow (safeties coach) at TCU. Those are the ones I have been looking into that have been showing me interest.”

You received your first offer from Nebraska on Jan. 25. How did the Cornhuskers staff give you that offer?

“They called me during my free period at school. Coach Donte (Williams – secondary coach) wanted to know how I was. Right before I had to leave for my next class he said, “I like what I see, your grades, and GPA. I would like to give you your first offer to Nebraska”.”

How excited were you to receive that offer?

“Man! It was emotional because I had worked so hard. I have been playing football since the first grade. It was a shocker to get an offer my sophomore year. I thought it would come my junior or senior year. It was surprising.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“No, not yet. I’m thinking about doing them during my junior year.”

Are you playing in a 7v7 league this spring and summer?

“I’m playing for Ground Zero.”

Are you excited about the 7v7 season?

“I am. I’m excited to get more exposure from colleges. I want to see how the 7v7 off-season helps us for the season and how it helps us get ready for college. Doing college drills and learning college techniques, by the time we get to college we will have this stuff down.”

Are you playing any spring or winter sports?

“I’m running track for Duarte.”

Which events?

“The 4×1, 100, and 200.”

Last question. What is your favorite part about playing football?

“My favorite part is the physicality. As a DB I love being aggressive. The feeling going out there on a Friday night and playing well – that is a great feeling all in one.”

Martin, thanks for our time today and good luck with your 7v7 season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Keeley family; No. 2 Martin Keeley.