The pulse of a football team can often be measured by the team's quarterback. If that is the case, then Granite Bay of the Sierra Foothill League has a strong pulse. As a junior, Brendan Keeney is the varsity starting quarterback for the second year in a row. Last year, Keeney passed for 1,700 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions to lead the Grizzlies to a 9-3 record with a season ending playoff loss of 42-28 to Folsom. He earned second team all league for his efforts.
At 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, this Grizzly has the ideal size to be a pro-style signal caller. He can run 4.80 seconds in the 40-yard dash, has a shuttle time of 4.40 seconds, can bench press 250 pounds, squat 375 pounds, and has a vertical of 28 inches. He compares his game to Washington Huskies Jake Locker because he understands how to be a quarterback, has a high passer efficiency, and can make plays with his legs.
Granite Bay runs the basic tenets of the West Coast offense where Keeney is under center, stays in the pocket, and rolls out when necessary. He considers his best football skill to be moving the pocket under duress. Bill Neal, QB coach/offensive coordinator for Granite Bay, says, "Brendan is not just an outstanding student athlete, he's a competitor and takes the QB position to heart. He prepares like a professional, a 'Student of the game.' He's inquisitive, understands coverage and can exploit weaknesses. Brendan's 'short stroke' and 'flick' like release makes it difficult for defenses to get to him (Only one sack in sixteen starts last year)."
Keeney has been playing organized football for six years. During the offseason, he concentrates on improving his footwork and learning the playbook. Summer camps that he has attended include Cal Berkeley Football Camp, Roger Theder QB Training (former Cal coach), Stanford, and Steve Clarkson Dream Maker Academy. He considers his greatest football challenge to be the battle to win the starting quarterback job as a sophomore. He became Granite Bay's first ever sophomore varsity quarterback starter. He hopes that his efforts will lead the Grizzlies to a league and a section title.
With his size and skills, many colleges are already keen on this drop back passer. The college recruiting process is early for this Grizzly but he has received contact from Cal, Duke, Northwestern, Stanford, and UCLA.
Coach Neal says, "Brendan's quick feet, strong arm, and pin point accuracy coupled with the unique ability/vision to anticipate situations and make split second decisions under pressure - gives him the attributes for any offensive system (spread or west coast). I believe Brendan will have a bright future at the next level."
Keeney wants to attend a school that is a quality program with an offense that fits his skills. He does not have any geographical preference but wants to get a solid education. Keeney has a 3.50 GPA and wants to major in Business and considers English as his best subject.
Aside from playing football, he is also a pitcher and third baseman on the baseball team. Keeney participates in community service that includes the Salvation Army, Sacramento Food Bank, and Summer Church Camp Volunteer. As a well-rounded student-athlete and person, expect many NCAA colleges to be keen on Keeney.
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