Boston College Football 2014: Josh Keyes, LB

Senior linebacker Josh Keyes has laid some big hits for the Boston College Eagles; does he have more in store for his senior year?

The Josh Keyes journey to Boston College started somewhat near the former Soaring to Glory World Headquarters, about an hour to the north in Chatham, nestled deep into the hills of Columbia County, New York. For reference, his town is about half an hour away from the Berkshires.

Yet, in order to cross the Berkshires and make his way to the coast in Boston, Keyes had to put together a stellar high school career, and he did. As a senior who played at safety and running back, Keyes was the New York State Class C Player of the Year. It was for good reason that he won, as he was a high-impact player on both sides of the football, rushing for over 1,700 yards and coming up with four picks.

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Up to and including 2012, Josh Keyes was considered a safety by Boston College, and by the end of his sophomore year in 2012, Keyes was listed at free safety. Since 2013, however, he has been a linebacker. Though his playing time was limited at Sam linebacker behind Kevin Pierre-Louis, he still made it into eleven games with a couple starts.

Now, the starting role could be his in his grand Eagles finale.

Josh Keyes #25: Fast Facts

• Position: Linebacker
• Hometown: Ghent, New York
• High School: Chatham High School, Chatham, NY
• Measurements: 6-foot-2, 220 lb.
• Class year & age at 2014 opener: Senior, 21
• BC games played: 30

Josh Keyes #25: 2013 Season

• Backup Sam linebacker behind Kevin Pierre-Louis
• Games played: 11
• Cumulative statistics: 30 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble
• Appeared on Spring 2014 roster

There are elements to Keyes’ game that are exciting. When he’s on, he can lay a devastating hit on a player. He will need playing time in order to do it, and with Pierre-Louis out of the way, he will contend for the starting role. It cannot be said at this time that he’s necessarily a lock, but there is most likely going go be some sort of open competition for the job and he will be one of the last ones standing.

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