Up Close: RB Kenton Keith (former CFL Standout)

[pacerman06]

http://www.kentonkeith.com/
(link to interview)

New Interview on his website, he seems like a real humble and hardworking guy. Another intersting tidbit in this interview is the fact that DeDe Dorsey went out during the latest mini-camp with a shoulder injury, and Keith got a lot of reps with the first team offense.

I'm probably most excited about the fact that he took the time to answer my question on his website:

From Luke,

Q: Hey Kenton, Congrats on the Colts! As a Colts fan, I\'m real excited about your addition, and I really think you can be a key part of the running game for us this upcoming season. With that being said, Colts' runners are asked a lot to catch and block. I know you can run the ball real well, but how do you add up in those other dimensions of your game? Thanks for your time, and I look forward to seeing #36 in blue.

A: You cant start anywhere in any leagues if you cant block


- KK

http://www.kentonkeith.com/askkenton051407.htm


More Info:

Keith, who spent the last four seasons playing for the Saskatchewan Rough Riders of the CFL, signed with the Colts this off-season as a 26-year-old free agent running back.

He will turn 27 in July, two weeks before training camp.

Hardly ancient, even in professional football years, but as a guy trying to make an NFL roster, it

[pacerman06]

I never knew much about Kenton. I'm glad that I read this. I don't think he will make the team though.

[PR07]

I think Keith has a real good chance to make this roster as the #3 RB. He has exceptional speed (somewhere in the early 4.4's), and he also has the ability to return kicks and punts which should give him an edge. His veteran experience should also play into his favor as I'm not sure the Colts want only first or second year players as their only RB options, and it's always good to have a veteran. His only other competition right now is probably Chris Morgan from Indiana-Pa as Luke Lawton is probably just practice squad fodder.

[pacerman06]

Yeah I didn't know he could return punts or that he was so fast. Do you know if James Mungro is still on the team? If Mungro is still on the team then Keith's chances arn't very good. If Mungro isn't on the team anymore then Keith chances are really good.

[PR07]

Mungro is not under contract for the next coming season, and he hasn't been offered one as far as I've heard. He's coming off of a major knee surgery, and the Colts probably won't bring him back unless they feel uncomfortable with the depth behind Addai.

It looks like I've had an oversight though. Keith's main competition will probably be RB Clifton Dawson from Harvard, I seemed to have forgotten about him. The odds to make the roster are still fairly good though given that the Colts could carry 4 RB's if one of these guys can be a return guy.

Here's some clips of Kenton Keith:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8W8Igna ... ed&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0ADmx85 ... ed&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zw5MD5U6 ... ed&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4TOhZtrsbc

[pacerman06]

Since Mungro isn't on the team then I think that Keith will make the team. He looks pretty good. I think he will be 3rd string running back. Do you know if we resigned Terrence Wilkins? If we didn't then Keith would definitely make the team as backup return man. If Wilkins is still on the team then I think about 60% chance. I think that he will also have duties on special teams.

[PR07]

Wilkins probably won't return either, he did a solid job for us last season, but I think the Colts want a younger guy. They drafted TJ Rushing last year, and he'll probably get the bulk load of the return services, but it still bodes well in Keith's favor that he can do a lot of different things to help this team.

[A-Town Connection]

From what i read from other boards, he is a long shot to make the team. While we have been able to find some great free agents before, he might be a reach. Either way, i welcome anyone that can make the team

[pacerman06]

I think he has a very good chance of making the team because we need a 3rd running back and a backup return man.

[PR07]

Agreed, that and the fact that he's going up against a bunch of inexperienced undrafted rookies.

[pacerfan]

You have to believe Clifton Dawson has first shot right now, but KK sounds like a sleeper with that speed.

I thought I read Mungro had signed a contract, but I guess not.

[pacerman06]

I was just wondering- is there any other players from Harvard in the NFL?

[PR07]

QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, Rams
C Matt Birk, Vikings

are the only ones I can name at the top of my head.

[pacerspsycho]

DeDe Dorsey is our 2nd RB right?

[PR07]

Yes, at the moment.