Charlton Keith: The Next Great Tweener

rabbisson · Joined: 26 Dec 2004 Posts: 18142

I have decided to write this article because of one player; Charleton Keith. I feel that this kid is getting no attention what so ever, yet he should deserve to be getting some. so, now, here go's my persuasive article for wanting Charlton Keith on YOUR TEAM come April.

People are currently talking about players like Manny Lawson (rated 3 DE by Phil Steele), Frostee Rucker (rated 20 DE by Phil Steele), and even Gaines Adams of Clemson (rated 23 DE by Phil Steele) as the next great tweeners of the NFL, the next Willie McGinest or Joey Porter, both defensive ends in college. However, one guy seems to continue to be under the radar, to the point where on over 56% of other 7 round full mock drafts I have read, on here and on other websites, he has not been selected. And of the 44% that has selected him, 23% have him in the 6-7th round. The highest I've seen him in in the 3rd round, and yet, I'm still wondering, why is this guy not getting some love?

That guy is Charlton Keith, DE/OLB on the Kansas Jayhawks, and it is time he got some due respect.

Why does no one like, or respect this guy? He has been able to come up big in every single facet of his career. As a high schooler in Akron, Ohio, he actually played both sides of the ball, throwing AND rushing for over 1,000 yards as a QB, and acumulating a monstrous 54 tackles and 23 sacks as a DE, in a very tough area to play college football in. He was Ohio's Offensive AND Defensive Player of the Year, a feat I do not believe has been repeated in Ohio since him.

Then, he went to the University of Minnesota. He spent 2 seasons there, and led the team in sacks as a Redshirt Freshman with 7. Then, the Golden Gophers got a new football coach, and he and Keith had a falling out.

Keith then transferred to a community college, Minnesota West CC, not for academics, but because that was where he wanted to be. After a solid year, he transferred to Kansas.

As a Junior, he played in all 11 games, but unfortunately, elite pass rusher David McMillan (who is now an OLB on the Browns) was in front of him on the depth chart. However, Keith made the most of what he was given, making 21 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and 8 quarterback hurries. He also played his best against the best teams, making 5 tackles in games against Iowa State and Texas, the Big 12 North frontrunner and the 2nd beast team in the Big 12 South. However, it was not until his Sr. year where he was truly able to unsurface his potential.

As a Sr., for the first time, Keith was able to start at Kansas. And he made the most of his opportunity. He played in all 12 games, racked up 46.5 tackles, sacked the QB 8.5 times for 60 lost yards, made a massive 20 tackles for loss for 100 yards, leading the NCAA in both categories, heck he even made an INT and recovered a fumble. In the Fort Worth Bowl, he made an INT, and had 2 sacks, to go along with 5 tackles, helping Kansas schieve their first bowl win since 1995. That's called playing well under pressure.

So, why is this guy getting almost no fanfare, DAP, or anything of the kind? It can't be because of stats, since he played in one of the strongest conferences in the country, The Big 12, and put up impressive numbers. It can't be because of athletecism, since he played both ways in high school, and has been timed at running a 4.47 40. It can't be character issues, as he has not been apprehended for any crimes or transgressions. It also can't be because of pedigree, since he is the cousin of Eric Snow, the point guard on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

There is no reason. This guy is the real deal. He has the game, the character, and the attitude. I despise the so called draft experts who always look for diamonds in the rough at all of the small, D-IAA schools. Hey Kiper, if you really want to find and underrated, future NFL star, why not look in D-IA? In the Big 12? Because it is time Charlton Keith finally got his due.
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cew28315039 · Joined: 22 Sep 2005 Posts: 7814 Location: West Va. U

good read
i think it is because he went to a not so good school i mean look at his teamate nick reid he is a force at MLB and not getting any respect i think they both could be the big sleepers in the draft
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rabbisson · Joined: 26 Dec 2004 Posts: 18142

rabbisson · Joined: 26 Dec 2004 Posts: 18142

Please comment everyone! All constructive criticism is wanted!
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Adopt-a-Patriot: Darius Butler and Daryl Richard!

rabbisson · Joined: 26 Dec 2004 Posts: 18142

Please comment everyone! All constructive criticism is wanted!
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Adopt-a-Patriot: Darius Butler and Daryl Richard!

viks_fan21 · Joined: 10 Mar 2005 Posts: 5833

sounds like a beast, good read.

Also, not to change the subject but he reminds me a lot of Charles Bennett DE/OLB out of Clemson. Both are good, under rated players. I live in Kansas and have seen Charlton Keith play a few times(once in person).
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SantanasTown · Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 2730

good job telling a little bit about him. But I have to admit Im not really familiar with the guy so it'd be helpful if you'd talk a little bit about how he's good and what his skills are and how they translate to the NFL rather than just rattling off stats.
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rabbisson · Joined: 26 Dec 2004 Posts: 18142

andrew91 · Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2006 8:11 pm Post subject:

To be honest, I had not even heard of this guy. Sounds pretty good though.
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charlyda · Joined: 26 Jan 2006 Posts: 5

Thanks Rabbison for Showing so much interest and knowledge of Charlton. He has been through alot in his football career. He went to Minessota east because he was going through a down time and couldnt deal with the death of one of his best friends, on his Minnesota Gopher team Brandon Hall he was gunned down in front of Charlton. But he is now his self and living Brandon's and his dream. Charlton's Sister Charlyda

charlyda · Joined: 26 Jan 2006 Posts: 5

Thanks Rabbison for Showing so much interest and knowledge of Charlton. He has been through alot in his football career. He went to Minessota east because he was going through a down time and couldnt deal with the death of one of his best friends, on his Minnesota Gopher team Brandon Hall he was gunned down in front of Charlton. But he is now his self and living Brandon's and his dream. Charlton's Sister Charlyda

rabbisson · Joined: 26 Dec 2004 Posts: 18142

azazaz7 · Joined: 21 Oct 2004 Posts: 7107 Location: Dublin, Ireland

I think you've unearthed a gem in Keith. If he can run close to 4.47 (as he's reportedly timed) he could shoot up draft boards. With measureables like Keith has it's a wonder how he's gone unnoticed thus far.
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charlyda · Joined: 26 Jan 2006 Posts: 5

Thank You rabbisson for all your support from the Keith Family. I also, told Charlton to read this he has a big fan. Charlyda

jdavis44 · Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 1

I saw the guy in his bowl game and I was amazed at how athletic he looked. I thought for sure that he would be a high round pick, but haven't seen any hype on him.

Has he been invited to the Combine?