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Zach Bland/Auburn Tigers
July 31, 2024
On The Plains with Austin Keys: ‘Play every snap like it’s my last’
by Ty Haffner
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AUBURN, Ala. – For senior linebacker Austin Keys, playing at the highest level of college football has always been one of his biggest dreams. He is finishing the accomplishment of that dream at Auburn.
Keys, a 22-year-old who attended Seminary High School in Mississippi, transferred to Auburn from Ole Miss in January 2023, to finish his college career on the Plains.
Since a young age, family has always been of great importance to Keys. His two brothers, Montrell and Mylan, motivated him to put all his focus into football and become the best player he could be.
“My family, and most importantly my brothers, have been my biggest motivation,” Keys said. “If it weren’t for my brothers, I probably wouldn’t be where I am right now because I didn’t have internal thoughts about playing football and going pro.”
Since his introduction to the Tigers last season, Keys – who played in 23 games at Ole Miss from 2020-22, recording 51 career tackles – has wanted to step up for his fellow teammates and be a role model, despite suffering injuries during his first year at Auburn.
“I try to shine the light on others and let them know that once the cleats are up, they’re up,” Keys said. “And being down isn’t the best feeling at all, so I just try to get my mindset right by saying that I have to play each game like it’s my last game and play every snap like it’s my last.”
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AUBURN, AL – October 21, 2023 – Auburn Linebacker Austin Keys (#6) celebrates during the game between the Ole Miss Rebels and the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, AL. Photo By Austin Perryman
The Taylorsville, Mississippi, product has played in the SEC his whole career and is ready for the new challenges that his senior season brings.
“There are not many ways to approach it. Since it is my last, it has to be my best season,” Keys said. “I’m taking different steps and trying to make sure I eat right and I’m on the right itinerary to get stuff done – make sure I know the playbook well and take the extra time to study film and prepare myself mentally for the season.”
Keys, who is studying sociology at Auburn, wants to establish himself as a leader for the younger players on defense, especially playing under new defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin.
“I want to be a better leading voice for the freshman and the newcomers,” Keys said about his goals. “Since playing under Durk, I know how he operates and that will give me an edge in helping people who don’t know, so I can be there when they have questions and help them. I just want to help.”
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