Keller continues to impress

Class of 2020 quarterback Riley Keller is off to quite a start in his recruiting process. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Toledo (Ohio) Whitmer product put up big numbers as a freshman starter and grabbed offers from Ole Miss and Toledo along the way.

Keller got in his first competitive throwing session since football season ended on Sunday at the 4th and Goal Showcase.

"It's been a while so it was nice getting out here and competing with kids that you play with and against," said Keller. "I felt good overall and right now I'm just looking to get stronger in the weight room and improving my quarterback skills."

Keller dedicated his winter months to his basketball team, where he was the sixth man for the varsity team. A multi-sport athlete, Keller is also throwing the discus this spring as well as playing baseball.

"Just being competitive overall, it's good being a multi-sport athlete," he said. "Competitiveness is going to help you in everything you do in life."

But Keller's role on the basketball team this winter was an especially valuable experience. Used to being the guy with the ball in his hands all the time as a quarterback and point guard growing up, Keller took on more of a jack-of-all trades role with the Whitmer varsity team. That role, a less heralded position than his usual quarterback or point guard spots, gave him a new perspective on what it takes to be a good teammate.

"Playing the sixth man really opened my eyes," he explained. "Being the sixth man, I had to accept my role and do whatever the team needed. I did that and I was fine with it."

This past weekend Keller was able to put a little bit of focus on football, however, as he made an unofficial visit to Michigan State.

"We watched their scrimmage at their indoor facility, which was nice," he said. "I took a couple of my teammates up there and it was fun being there with them. It was a good experience. It's always good going up there and visiting them."

The Spartans aren't looking to put out an offer yet in the 2020 class at the quarterback position, but they let Keller know he's very much on their radar.

"They said they are really looking through their 2018 and 2019 quarterbacks now," he explained. "Michigan State and most other big schools only go after one quarterback in each class so they have to choose wisely. But they told me that I'm up there as one of their top 2020 guys."

Another school that is beginning to show interest is Boston College.

"Boston College came through and they talked to my Dad (offensive coordinator at Whitmer)," he said. "Coach Loeffler came through and hopefully things will pick up in the spring."

Two other Midwest powers have expressed early interest in Keller and the Spring Evaluation Period coming up should shed more light on just how interested many of these programs are.

"Ohio State and Michigan sent me some stuff before the Dead Period," he said. "I'm going to try to go to Ohio State for a one-day camp in the summer."