If the best ability is availability, then Iron Man, Andreas Keaton is the player for you. He never missed a game in college. He is also one of the best tacklers in his class, has proven to make game-changing plays, and has the mindset to continue that success in the NFL. Andreas played his Senior year on the Eagle’s Lincoln Financial Field for the home games with the Temple Owls. He may also be a sleeper at Safety in the 2025 NFL Draft for the Philadelphia Eagles.
I spoke with Andreas about growing up in the game of football with a father who was a coach, his College career, and a certain Philadelphia Eagles player he grew up admiring.
Falling in Love with Football
Keaton’s reputation is one of being a leader in the locker room and on the field, something instilled in him at a very young age.
“All that came from when I was younger, big props to my dad, he kept me around the game a long time, especially when I was young, and he raised me to be out there and watch other guys play ball. My dad had the privilege to coach some pretty good guys, and being able to stand out there and watch them when I was a kid 4 or 5 years old, just showed me where I wanted to go and the self-discipline came by itself.”
Andreas was a three-year letterman at Hillgrove High in Powder Springs, Georgia, and a member of his High School’s football leadership program. He also dominated on the field finishing with 248 tackles, and 8 interceptions, with three returned for touchdowns. Andreas was making a name for himself and got the attention of Western Carolina, where he would play all 33 games during his three years there while amassing two 2nd-team All-Southern Conference nominations, Southern Conference Freshman of the Year, SoCon All-Freshman defensive team, and Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll awards.
Temple Owls
Keaton transferred to Temple as a Senior and stated he got everything from the transition that he was looking to achieve. He was taking on more responsibilities, including being the Quarterback of the defense and calling the defensive plays.
“I just transferred in, a new face on campus, and being able to take on that role of the green dot, was the biggest adjustment, telling the whole (defensive) d line, secondary, far corner, that was the biggest difference.”
Andreas impressed his new Owl teammates and coaches early on and was named a team captain during his first season with Temple. Receiving a single-digit number for the Owls is a tradition that recognizes players who lead on and off the field. Having such an honor bestowed on him quickly validated his hard work, experience, and ability to relate to others and lead.
“I have seen a lot in college and at a young early age since a freshmen I saw a lot of things and it gave me an advantage to lead.”
Leading can be done in many ways and Keaton ensures everyone gets the attention they need.
“Someone talking is not going to affect someone who needs to see what is going on. Seeing a person lead by example and then be rewarded by the football Gods, I think that plays a bigger factor (than talking) I am more of a lead-by-example type kind of guy, if I have to be vocal to a team or to an individual person that might need to hear it from a player, I can do that too.”
Andreas was not just a leader at Temple, he was also a playmaker. He showed versatility by moving up and down the backfield, in and out of the box, and using his excellent backpedal and agility to cover the field. He is a sure and physical tackler who gets downfield quickly and uses his solid frame to punish ball carriers.
He quickly recognizes and reacts to offensive plays and concepts while in coverage or exploding into the box to make a tackle. He has shown production against the pass and run. Andreas has the body type, size, attitude, football IQ, and skill set an NFL team can help develop into an everyday player.
Eagles Legend
Keaton stated that if he could speak with three people, alive or dead, he would choose Brian Dawkins as one of the three. Aside from the fact that B-Dawk is a Hall Of Fame safety, why did he choose Brian?
“We all know Brian Dawkins can play some good football, but I was a guy, I wasn’t so focused on his highlights, I was focused on what he does off the field. I feel like whatever you do off the field translates to what you do on the field. I was more of a guy that focused on what he did off the field.”
A constant theme in our interview was his curiosity about learning and studying what a great player does off the field. Keaton knows he can trust his athleticism and work ethic to improve on the field, but his desire to be the best never stopped there. He wants to be the best
“I was seeing how he used to do things, working out, or in the film room. Seeing how he approached the game. At the end of the day, talent is going to be on the field, and he’s a talented person. Just the type of character he is off the field. I tried to hone in and try to find that type of stuff. In order to be a pro, you have to carry yourself like one.”
He also mentioned how Brian played the same position, Safety, and demonstrated how aware and attentive to details he is, even in casual conversation.
“He plays my position, well I play his position, let me give him the respect.”
NFL Draft
If an NFL team is desirous of versatility, Andreas is bringing it to his NFL team.
“My freshmen year I was a nickel, my sophomore year I was a free safety, my junior year I was a boundary safety, and this year (Senior year at Temple) I was a post safety, somebody you can throw in the box, and play high. In today’s game, it’s hard to play football at a high level being limited, by being a boundary corner or a boundary safety, you dont want to limit yourself in today’s game.”
Whoever adds Andreas Keaton to their team is getting a player who will bring every attribute NFL GMs look for. He has the skill, the attitude, and the personal qualities they want to represent their franchise.
“My High School, (Colleges) Western, and Temple would say I am a consistent level-headed guy. Off the field I am a very high-character value guy, football is only played 60 minutes on Saturdays, and there are 300 hours during the week you have to focus on.”
Keaton’s talent is undeniable, but the emphasis on his character stands out when speaking with him. During the interview, his discipline, work ethic, and leadership were always at the forefront of his replies. His talent on the field can be seen via the film, and his confidence in his ability is unwavering. He also keeps everything in perspective.
“I am excited, but I am staying level-headed, at the end of the day it is a business, and nothing is guaranteed until you put pen to paper.”
The mindset, high values, and determination are what Andreas wants you to know about him, and the play will speak for itself.
“I feel like my character on and off the field is going to take me a long way.”
I couldn’t agree more, Andreas. I hope to see you in Eagles Green soon!
As always, thank you for reading!
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Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images
