Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Ramel Keyton is an explosive, big-bodied vertical threat. Keyton averaged more than 18 yards per catch as a two-year starter across 2022 and 2023. Keyton will continue making big plays at the next level.
Keyton recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his ability to make explosive plays, his favorite routes to run, which teams have shown interest in his services, and more.
JM: You waited your turn at Tennessee and turned in two great seasons in 2022 and 2023, totaling more than 1,000 receiving yards while scoring 11 touchdowns. How do you reflect on your time at Tennessee?
Ramel Keyton: It was a great learning experience. I went through a lot of ups and downs. I’m my own harshest critic so I’ll always feel like I could have done a little better. It didn’t always go my way.
I think I was a more consistent player this past season. I’m always competing against myself on a weekly basis, and some weeks I didn’t beat the previous week’s output. That was always my goal. I feel like that summarizes the season.
Most importantly, my recruiting class at Tennessee helped turn the program around. That was my main objective when I arrived at Tennessee. I feel like we achieved that even though we didn’t win a championship.
JM: You also averaged more than 18 yards per catch these last two seasons. What is it about your game that leads to explosive plays?
Ramel Keyton: I feel like I can make plays after the catch. I don’t let the first defender tackle me. I make good moves in the open field with my quickness and speed. I make plays after the catch.
I feel like most of my catches happened deep down the field though. Catching those 15-20 yard intermediate routes led to explosive plays. We had a lot of in-breaking routes in our offense. I caught those and made something happen. I caught a lot of deep balls as well. I had a few drops on those plays I wish I had back. Those deep balls made my average go up.
JM: Do you have a favorite route to run?
Ramel Keyton: I like post routes and dig routes. I feel like running those routes comes easy to me. I’m always open on those plays. It’s tough to beat me on a post or a dig route. I love slants as well. We ran a lot of slants at Tennessee. That’s a good route to get open on. Of course, I love a good go ball as well.
JM: What did you learn from playing behind guys like Cedric Tillman and Jalin Hyatt? You had to wait your turn.
Ramel Keyton: I always paid close attention by observing their habits. I saw how they watched film and how they went about their day. How they treated their bodies, how they approached everything, I learned a lot from how they practiced and what they did off the field.
I learned from both of those guys, but I also learned from Joshua Palmer, Marquez Callaway, and Jauan Jennings. We’ve had a lot of receivers. Honestly, I also learned from guys who didn’t end up meeting their potential. What did they do wrong? You can learn lessons from that as well. I’m always observing, learning, and interacting. You naturally pick up on things.
JM: When is your Pro Day? Have you met with any teams throughout this process?
Ramel Keyton: I recently had virtual meetings with the Jaguars and Colts. We’re going to finalize my travel schedule after Pro Day, which is on March 27. We’ll start taking some visits after that.
JM: We’ve appreciated your time today. Why should a team use one of their draft picks on Ramel Keyton?
Ramel Keyton: They’re going to get a receiver that loves the game of football. I’m chasing greatness at the next level. I really want to be great. My main goal is to win a Super Bowl. I’ll do whatever it takes to bring a Super Bowl to the organization.
I’m a person that understands how to self-reflect. I’m always going to set new expectations for myself. I know what I need to work on. I’m always working hard to improve. My work ethic speaks for itself. That’s the type of person you’re getting.
