Interview: 2020 California RB Keaton Haddad Building Off 1,200-Yard Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

There are breakout seasons and springboard seasons that shoot a rising talent to another level. In one full swoop, Class of 2020 running back Keaton Haddad did it all. The 6-0, 200-pound, back had to wait until about the third game of the season to explode through the California football universe, but when he did, he left opposing Division IV teams in the dust. He proved to be a workhorse back carrying the rock 197 times for 1,258 with 14 touchdowns and hauled in five passes for 46 more all-purpose yards. The heavy workload in about nine games of work helped Yorba Linda High School to a 9-3 season. After showing what he can do on the field and earning first team All-Crestview League honors, college coaches in the region are now starting to take notice.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the Golden State’s most productive backs who is still flying low under the collegiate radar to learn more about his play on the field.

Interview

Keaton, no doubt about it, you had a breakout season in 2018 rushing for over 1,200 yards with 14 scores. At what point during the season did everything start to click for you and your game really took off?

“In the beginning of the year, I was not starting with a senior ahead of me. All I did in the offseason was work my tail off to start, and I kept working hard to prove to the coaches what I could do. I got some reps in first two games. When I did get reps, I tried hard and did my best to show what I could do to earn more playing time. In our third game of the season, that is when I started getting more reps and started making a bigger impact for my team.”

Which game was your best in 2018, and why do you consider that to be your top performance?

“My best game was against Brea Olinda. That was a tough game for us (won 28-20). I split reps with a senior (James Festini). I was working really hard in that game. I had 155 yards and two touchdowns off 24 carries. That game was a very good team effort. My best stat game was against Foothill. I had 219 yards rushing off 26 carries with two touchdowns. I broke the school single-game rushing record in that game.”

Given the heavy workload you took on for the Mustangs, how did your overall game improve throughout the 2018 campaign?

“My overall game did improve throughout the year. I was not stopping in the hole. I don’t debate hitting seams or the holes. I hit it and go.”

What have you been working on this spring?

“This spring I have been working on footwork and speed. My 40-yard dash is a 4.6-flat now. My lateral speed has improved. I ran a 3.93 shuttle. I do a lot of ladders and cone drills. I do a lot of power lifting too. I want to be even more explosive and more powerful this season.”

Have you competed at any camps this spring?

“Yes. I went to an APU (Azusa Pacific) camp last weekend. I talked to San Jose State’s recruiting coordinator at that camp. They want me to attend their camp this weekend. Wyoming, I have always liked them. I have talked to their running back coach, Coach (Gordie) Haug. He wants me to come out on June 21 to see how I perform in-person.”

You mentioned two upcoming camps, are there any others you might attend?

“William and Mary want me to compete at one of their camps but it might be tough because of the distance. Their recruiting coordinator cannot come to California to see me at a camp. My dad wants to make it work.”

Which schools are showing interest in you ahead of the camps left on the schedule?

“I am receiving interest from Wyoming, William and Mary, APU, and Sac (Sacramento) State.”

Last question. What goals have you set for yourself for the 2019 season?

“A championship. I will work hard to do my part for us to win a championship. It is my senior year, and I want another championship. The last time we won was my freshman year. I was pulled up on varsity for the playoffs, but I didn’t play too much then. It has been a dream of mine since then to get a ring again.”

Keaton, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Haddad family; Keaton Haddad