Interview with Texas Tech Kicker Commit Nick Keller
Today I spoke with Nick Keller about his big visit to Texas Tech University where he accepted a preferred walk-on position to continue his kicking career into the Big XII. Nicholas and I have trained over the last two and a half years through Kicking World camps and private lessons. I’m very excited for his future and believe he has an excellent opportunity to earn the starting field goal and kickoff job in Lubbock. Enjoy the following interview with Texas Tech’s next kicker, Nicholas Keller from Pearland HS; 20 miles south of Houston, Texas. Wreck ’Em!
INTERVIEW WITH NICK KELLER
Class of 2015 Pearland HS Kicker & Texas Tech Commit
Q. How did you get into kicking?
A. In 7th grade, my Junior HS coach found out that I played soccer and was a good runner, so he persuaded me to run track. When 8th grade football started up, coach asked me to kick for the football team. I had never played football. I said, “Sure, sign me up”!
Q. Tell me about your best memory of HS Football or any one specific game that stands out in your career.
A. On December 21, 2013, we (Pearland Oilers) played the Allen Eagles at AT&T Stadium (Dallas Cowboys) for the Texas 5A State Title. We lost… but I got to kick in Cowboys Stadium!
Q. What other sports have you player in HS?
A. Soccer
Q. What’s your favorite school subject? Least Favorite?
A. Favorite – Government. Least Favorite – English.
Q. Tell me about the recruiting process… How did it all get started and when did it get more serious?
A. I think that all high school athletes dream of continuing to play their sport in college. I definitely got more serious the summer before my junior year.
Q. Was there any one event or game that helped blow up the recruiting process for you?
A. Being a bigger football school, we played several highly anticipated and publicized games throughout the season. I think that helped get my name out there. I also feel that the 2014 Kicking World Showcase in San Diego, CA last December really helped. I performed really well and received a lot of exposure. Several D1/FBS schools got interested in me after that camp.
Q. What ultimately led you to commit to Texas Tech? What other schools were in the running?
A. It was really hard to make a final decision. I wanted to stay in Texas if possible. Even though Texas Tech is obviously in Texas, it’s still pretty far from my home as I’m way down past Houston. It’s a 9 hour drive ‘back home’, but it’s a tremendous opportunity at a great education, the school & athletics department has unbelievable facilities and of course, the football is top-notch!
Q. Do you have any ‘tips’ for other aspiring high school football players who are wanting to play at the next level?
A. Treat it like a job. You must stay diligent with your email blasts and follow-up with college coaches.
Q. What one or two things do you currently do in your training that are keys to your success?
A. Practice, and practice more!
Q. Favorite food/meal?
A. Chicken Parmesan
Q. Favorite movie?
A. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Q. Favorite local food spot in Houston?
A. Whataburger
Q. Favorite NFL Team?
A. Houston Texans
Q. Favorite NFL Kicker?
A. Thomas Morstead. He was a Pearland kicker!
Q. Any funny/embarrassing sports moments?
A. I got run over on a kickoff by a player on my own team. That was pretty embarrassing (lol).
Q. Do you have a favorite quote or motto or thought/belief you hold true to your heart?
A. “Anything is Possible”. I have it printed on my letterman jacket.
Q. What’s the most challenging thing about being a kicker?
A. Trying to ‘fit in’ with the rest of the football team.
Q. How will you be successful over the next 4+ years at Tech Tech?
A. I’m not sure yet, but I’m going to work hard every day and be the best I can!
Q. Do you have an intended major yet?
A. Collectively as a family we’ve been discussing ‘Engineering’ a lot. I think I can do it, but it would be very challenging, especially with a full course load, with football and all. I’m going to enter my freshman academic year ‘undecided’ at first and take it one semester at a time.
Q. What are you most looking forward to in college?
A. Football and the ‘complete’ college experience!
To see Nick Keller’s kicking highlight videos, game-stats & more, visit his Hot Prospect Profile.
Pictured above is AT&T Jones Stadium, home to Texas Tech Football.
This concludes the interview conducted on February 20, 2015 between Coach Brent Grablachoff, Owner & Head Coach of Kicking World and future Texas Tech University Kicker Nicholas Keller from Pearland, TX.
