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2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Keenan Reid, DB, Rutgers University

Keenan Reid the versatile defensive back from Rutgers University recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds scout Justin Berendzen.
Keenan Reid the versatile defensive back from Rutgers University recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds scout Justin Berendzen.
  • Name: Keenan Reid
  • Position: DB
  • College: Rutgers University
  • Height: 5’11”
  • Weight: 185 lbs
  • Twitter: @Keenanreid_
  • Instagram: @keenanreid__

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

At a young age I started playing for my hometown, Franklin Warrior Pop Warner program. I actually came right in and started playing quarterback/DB and enjoyed that whole journey starting my chapter of playing football. We went on to win many championships. The feeling of winning and being apart of a true brotherhood while having as much fun as we did made me know this game is for me.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

I have plenty of moments in my football career that were special to me. The two moments that stand out to me the most is one of our homecoming games during my time at Lincoln. We were playing Elizabeth City State University and they scored late in the game only needing the PAT to tie the game up. I came off the edge and got a piece of the kick which resulted in the kick to miss which helped sealed the win with a minute left in the 4th. Another special moment in my football career was me transferring to Rutgers. With so much uncertainty during covid, I turned down many of other really good schools because I knew I wanted to be a Scarlet Knight and understood the doors it would open for me. I was grateful to receive the call from Coach Schiano and that made me hungry to attack my next journey.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

I’m always looking for ways to improve my skills and to simply get better. Going forward I just want to contribute to a program with winning as their number one priority. With that common goal, I’ll do anything to help contribute to that.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

A football player I’d love to hangout with is Ed Reed. Ed Reed is not only my favorite defensive back of all time, but my favorite player overall. Everywhere Ed Reed went he meant strictly business. Whether it was on the field or out in the community doing whatever needs to done. His leadership skills stand out to me the most as he always talks about the details is what it takes to accomplish that common goal the team has. On the field, his relentlessness, speed, instinct, and ball hawk ability is something I admire.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

Both of my parents inspires me the most. Their continuous love and support has helped guide me through every journey of my athletic career. Growing up seeing the constant sacrifices is something I’m forever grateful for. I try my best to make them proud and to be my best version of myself for them.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

My previous 3 years at Rutgers we played in a 4-2-5 defense and that is the defense I’ve grown to like the most. It allows us to play 5 defensive backs and I have experience at all positions. With corner being my main position I still have plenty of value at the nickel/ star position and safety as well. I have a ton of knowledge in our defensive scheme so that I can be moved around anywhere needed in the secondary to help our defense. At Lincoln University, I played all three positions and have good film at all of them. At both universities I played a ton of coverages and feel comfortable with my knowledge of them.

What should we know about Keenan Reid the person?

I value my faith, family, and work above everything. I devote my time to those three areas. Everything else is secondary to me. Without my faith in God, I wouldn’t be here today. My family (and close friends) are everything to me as they helped me in every way possible and are always there for me. And my work is where I get the opportunity to grind, compete, and also have fun. I value taking care of my business by any means necessary.

What stands out about your film the most?

What stands out about my film is that I show my coverage skills as well as my ability to tackle and be a major component in special teams. One of my gifts also happen to be blocking kicks, at Lincoln University I had several of blocked field goals and a punt. 2 of those resulted in touchdowns. I also show great coverage skills in my Rutgers tape as well as I showed my ability to cover players currently in the NFL as well as other NFL prospects.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

Football teaches me how to handle adversity in not only the game itself but in life which is why I value this game so much. However, although something may fuel me to go harder or want something even more it’s very important to stay focused on each individual task you are handling at a time. This is something I learned during my time at Rutgers and we focused on it everyday before meetings and practice.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get a leader. Somebody who is always prepared mentally, physically, and emotionally for practices, games, meetings, etc. I’m the guy who will outwork others and push them to match my work ethic. A team would also get a player who is coachable. I always want to be in line with my coaches and be on the same page.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

I love the excitement I get from simply playing the game. There are many other things I love from the game such as the lessons learned, relationships, winning, but there is no greater feeling I get from then just being able to play the game.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

Two players come to mind both from my different universities and have so much in common. Devon Cathcart from Lincoln University and Lawrence Stevens from Rutgers University. Two guys that I watched grind deeply and learned a ton from. Selfless players that will do anything from the team. Also guys that made a ton of plays and played with great speed and violence. I’m sure they will continue to find their way to the next level.

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