Andreas Keaton Interview: 'Everything In The Playbook Is Open To Me'

Temple defensive back Andreas Keaton has been a gem for the program this season. Keaton quickly established himself as a cornerstone piece after joining the Owls from Western Carolina in the transfer portal. He was swiftly named a team captain and currently ranks third on the defense in tackles with 31 through five contests.

Keaton recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Keaton discussed his decision to join Temple in the portal, becoming a leader in the locker room, playing a versatile role, and more.

JM: You decided to transfer from Western Carolina to Temple ahead of your fourth season, your senior season. What went into your decision to enter the portal?

Andreas Keaton: It was a family decision of course. I sat down with my family and discussed what was best for me ahead of a critical senior season. We felt like it was time to see what else was out there for me, what opportunities God had for me.

I didn’t leave any stone unturned. The main thing was to see what was out there for me.

JM: You immediately established yourself at Temple. You've been a team captain for multiple games this season and also earned the prestigious honor of wearing a single-digit number. How did you make such a quick impact?

Andreas Keaton: I feel like my personality allows me to quickly assert myself in a locker room. My leadership skills played a big role in that. The way I do things, the way I carry myself around the facility and on and off the field, it rubs off on my teammates.

I feel like those are the main qualities that allowed me to quickly earn the respect of my teammates. I was well-received in the locker room and quickly gained recognition from the coaching staff. People around the program respect me and how I go about my business.

JM: You have 31 tackles in five games so far. You've been everywhere. Talk to me about your ability to make plays around the ball. 

Andreas Keaton: I think that comes from my experience and of course God’s blessing. I wouldn’t be able to do all this if I wasn’t blessed. Entering my fourth season of college ball, my experience has played a big role throughout the early portion of this year.

I read and react. I can get a head start because my play recognition is great. Experience is allowing me to make plays on defense right now.

JM: You're listed at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds. You're a big-bodied safety. What are some of the ways you use that size to your advantage?

Andreas Keaton: Football players are getting bigger and stronger in today’s game. Pairing size with my experience allows me to make a lot of plays. Everything in the playbook is open to me. I’ve learned how to play with my body.

I take better angles nowadays than I did in the past. I have terrific length to impact the catch point. I know how to use my long arms in coverage. All of that stuff plays a big role in my approach.

JM: You've played some box safety. You’re versatile like that. Because of your size and tackling numbers, does that position feel most natural to you?

Andreas Keaton: I’ve been playing more field safety this season. I have ended up in the box quite a bit this year as well. I feel comfortable doing both. I do feel like both positions are pretty natural for me. I can play in the box, and I can play out in space as well.

That’s the game of football nowadays. Safeties have to be versatile enough to play both roles, and I believe I'm capable of doing that. I love playing in both of those spots.

JM: We've appreciated your time today. What are your goals for the remainder of this season?

Andreas Keaton: I’m always going to keep the goals team-oriented. I want to win as a team. That is the primary focus right now. It’s time for us to come together and win.

From an individual perspective, I’d love to see my name mentioned around the Jim Thorpe Award conversation. Everything is falling into place for me. The accolades and recognition will arrive as long as I keep playing well.