NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Keaton Bruggeling, WR, Carleton University

Keaton Bruggeling the star wide receiver from Carleton University recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds owner Damond Talbot.
  • Name: Keaton Bruggeling
  • Position: Wide Receiver
  • College: Carleton University
  • Height: 6’3
  • Weight: 225
  • Twitter: bruggskeaton
  • Instagram: keatonbruggs

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2022 NFL Draft?

Versatility. A balance of physicality, speed and route running. I am able to play anywhere on the field and execute a variety of responsibilities. I love to do the ‘dirty work’ and thrive blocking. I have the best hands on my team and am asked to be Jumpman (hail mary) and onside receiver. Football is my passion, schematically I see and understand not only the picture but nuances of defences as well. I am a quick learner and understand more than the route but the role it plays within the concept itself.

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

I started very late. I loved the idea of football my whole life but was not playing it until highschool. My high school football team had just over 20 kids most years, meaning it wasn’t any place to truly learn football. It was when I began playing Niagara Spears at the age of 16 that I really fell in love with the sport. I played field corner and returner, never played and just adored the process of as well as the cohesion required by all to be successful.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

I bring the same energy on and off the field, I attack off-seasons and I LOVE THE PROCESS. Everything from snatch and clean morning runs, and meetings. I love football and never want to leave the sport in any capacity.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

I am in environmental studies and am passionate about conservation. I also believe in making local changes so I would love to donate to the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

E + R = O. Event + Response = Outcome, you can’t control everything, you really can’t control much. But you can control YOU and your RESPONSE to any situation, your response is the main factor that dictates your outcome. Each play has a history of its own, it’s important. It matters. You are responsible for it, but it has nothing to do with what happens next. Stay neutral.

Who was your childhood hero?

My childhood hero was Steve Irwin, his movies and shows were amazing. I adored his adventurous nature and passion for the outdoors.

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

The most underrated teammate at my school is Phillip Bellrose. He’s a fullback that converted to d-line as we were devastated by injuries. The belly is a demon on special teams and the definition of grit. Truly a glue guy. Who pushes others around him to be better.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

I really only hate when things are unfair, but that is simply life sometimes and I need to continue to overcome anything.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

These past couple of years I haven’t performed to my capacity, with limited reps and opportunity. I think that this Ravens football career has been the most trying on myself. Grinding all this time for one season, and then have that season flip upside down. We really grinded. Over 40% of us on the injury reports, including myself and most key players pushing through.

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

Carleton is beautiful, with the river and canal. I even enjoy fishing on campus. I think that is amazing to be able to do.

What is your favorite snack food?

Ice cream is my one sweet tooth neeeeeeeed.

What is the best part of football?

The diversity of the teams you get to play on. From a nose tackle to field corner, one may be from Alberta and one from Texas. Everybody has a job and all these different bodies come together to create magic. It’s really amazing because you’re so accountable for each play and every piece must move as one.

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?

That I’m a hardworking adaptable individual who does what it takes.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?

My teammates call me BabyGronk, but I run true routes. I think I’m more Shannon Sharpe, a little undersized for a traditional in-line tight end but a willing blocker and a physically dominant receiver at the catch point as well as a playmaker with the ball in my hands.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Steve Irwin, Shannon Sharpe and Stephan A for the foolery.

Damond Talbot

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com

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