Dustin Keller Interview
by Luke Paul Chandler
Contributing Reporter Scott Porter talks to former Purdue tight end Dustin Keller.
By Scott Porter
Scott Porter: What would you say has been your favorite football moment at Purdue?
Dustin Keller: There have been a lot of ups and downs in my career, but my favorite moment would have to be my freshman year when I scored the game winning touchdown to beat Ohio State.
Scott Porter: Is there a player in the NFL that reminds you ofyourself?
Dustin Keller: A lot of people see me as a bigger receiver and a smaller, but faster tight end, so in that respect I would say that I am similar to Dallas Clark.
Scott Porter: What do you feel are your biggest strengths and what would you like to work on more?
Dustin Keller: My strengths are my speed, ability to get open and catch the ball in traffic. I wouldn’t call it a major weakness, but I can definetley improve my in line blocking against defensive ends.
Scott Porter: What kind of a person is a team getting in Dustin Keller?
Dustin Keller: They would be getting a player that is never going to be outworked by any one, and that never ever settles for anything. I am always looking to out do myself and get better.
Scott Porter: Who is the toughest player you have ever faced?
Dustin Keller: I have gone against a lot of players that are great at what they do. One of the better ones I would say would be A.J. Hawk of Green Bay.
Scott Porter: Who has influenced you the most during your football stint at Purdue?
Dustin Keller: In a football aspect I would have to say it has been my two tight end position coaches I have during my career at Purdue. Jim Chaney who now coaches for the Rams, and the current tight ends coach John McDonell. As far as just being a better person, there has been no better person in the world than my mother Maureen Keller.
Scott Porter: Do you have any goals for yourself once you make it to the NFL?
Dustin Keller: I want to make a major impact on my team immediately, whatever role I have I will definately be making a big impact. In time I hope that my will and drive will push me to be one of the elite players in the league.
Scott Porter: What hobbies do you have off the field?
Dustin Keller: I don’t know if I would call it a hobby, but I am working on my movie collection which is growing rapidly, because watching movies is my favorite thing to do to pass time.
Scott Porter: What are you doing right now to prepare for the NFL?
Dustin Keller: Right now I am currently training with Jason Riley in Wesley Chapel FL (20 minutes north of Tampa) to prepare for the 2008 NFL scouting combine. Things are going really well right now, and I am looking to really shock a lot of people
Contact Scott at blitzingdog3@mchsi.com