Noah Keller Q&A

Ohio University inside linebacker Noah Keller is making his bid for the NFL. The second-team all-conference selection recorded 427 career tackles, three interceptions and 6 1/2 sacks. He started in the Casino Del Sol all-star game.

A former team captain for Ohio University who was named to the Nagurski Trophy watch list and an honorable-mention All-Ameican, Keller played linebacker and fullback in high school and was named Nebraska Defensive Player of the Year.

Scout caught up with Keller recently for the following Q&A:

The 6-foot-1, 245-pounder wasn't invited to the NFL scouting combine and is preparing for a March 8 Pro Day. He's represented by Rob Roche of RSR Sports.

Scout: What do you want to show the NFL?

Keller: I want to show them I've got good size, good speed and that I'm athletic enough to compete at a high level. I've shown on film I have the smarts and ability to play football. I just need to show them the athletic ability to be a part of what they have in the NFL."

"I was a three-year captain on my team. I'm definitely a hard worker and tried to be a leader on and off the field. Ask any of the coaches and they'll have nothing but good things to say about me."

Scout: What was it like growing up in Nebraska?

Keller: When I was younger, I grew up there and I always watched the Cornhuskers. I was a big fan. I got offered by Ohio and Colorado State, and those were my only scholarship offers. I wanted to play at the Division I level. It was a great chance to showcase my talents."

Scout: How are your workouts going?

Keller: "I've been working very hard, putting in a lot of hard days. My focus is on getting ready for my Pro Day. I ran the 40-yard dash in 4.61 seconds. I bench pressed 225 pounds 23 times."

Scout: How did the all-star game go and what teams did you speak with?

Keller: "The all-star game was organized pretty well, it was a nice little venue. I met with seven teams: the San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, Houston Texans, St. Louis Rams and the Pittsburgh Steelers. I also talked to the New York Jets after the game. Hopefully, I'll get some private workouts after our Pro Day."

Scout: What will you do if football doesn't work out for you?

Keller: "I graduated with a premed degree. I would try to go to medical school, maybe something with radiology, dermatology or anesthesiology."

Scout: What's your mentality for the game of football?

Keller: "This is my dream. I love the game of football. I want to make it into a living, doing something you love. That's pretty much all the motivation you need. It's real easy to motivate yourself when you're this close to something."

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