Rock Chalk Talk with Kansas Recruit Keeston Terry

Kansas football junior day this past spring brought about a pretty incredible experience for Kansas football recruit Keeston Terry and after an email he shared with me I was almost certain the Kansas legacy was going to be a Jayhawk. 

Well earlier this summer I was proven wrong when he committed to the Huskers.  Surprising to some but not to others it looked as though Terry would be a future opponent instead of a future Jayhawk. 

Some time passed and rumors began that Terry was reconsidering and in fact would become a Jayhawk.  Where there was smoke there was in fact fire and the rest is history, welcome aboard Keeston Terry.

This was a big deal for Kansas and a big deal for Kansas fans as one of the more highly regarded recruits in the area was choosing to stay home and choosing to be a part of something potentially special in his own backyard. 

Keeston Terry gave Rock Chalk Talk a few minutes of his time last night and explained his decision, his thoughts on what he brings to Kansas and some really great insight into a future player who seems to be very level headed, focused and ready to prove he's a winner.

Full Interview Transcript with Keeston Terry After the Jump...

Denver

Keeston thanks for joining RCT and first off obviously you’re now committed to the Jayhawks.  What brought on the change of heart and how did everything go down in terms of the switch?

Keeston

The change of heart came from me not being totally 100% ok with being at Nebraska.  I felt that at the time that's where i wanted to go but after a lot of things and going over things, I felt KU suited me better for many reasons from the offense to always growing up being a Jayhawk.

As far as how everything went down, I talked to my head coach and told him that i felt that KU was the better decision for me and thats where I want to be.  My mom was also present with me at the time.

Soon after that we contacted the Nebraska coaches to let them know i would not be going there anymore.  I then contacted the KU coaches to tell them that i was on board.

I tried to keep my commitment very confidential so I wouldn't have my phone ringing off the hook.  I knew the news would get out eventually which I'm fine with because I'm proud of my decision.  I just didn't want any distractions leading into the high school season.

Denver

Makes sense and certainly understandable. So outside of Kansas and Nebraska, who else was recruiting you and who else were you looking at?

Keeston

Recruiting me before my commitment?

Denver

Exactly

Keeston

I had offers from Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Standford, KU, MU,  KSU and Nebraska.  I also had interest from Oklahoma, Tennessee and Notre Dame

Denver

Any chance of another switch?

Keeston

I say no chance. I'll probably be contacted by others schools after September 1st but I'm very happy with KU and the direction of the program.  I told my coach this is the final stop for me and I'm just ready for February to be here.

Denver

I figured, but I had to ask.

What’s it mean to you being that your parents are Kansas alums to now have your opportunity to leave your mark on the school?

Keeston

I feel like its a great opportunity for me and I'm very excited about the opportunity to leave my own mark.  I feel like I'm showing up just at the right time when KU is establishing a strong football program and going in the right direction.

Denver

You mentioned in a brief exchange with me that your star rating means nothing to you and you will show Kansas fans what they are getting when you arrive. Talk in a little more detail about that, what are we getting in Keeston Terry?

Keeston

I feel like you are getting a guy who is multi dimensional who can line up anywhere whether it be at slot, boundary or in the backfield.  I also feel like my field savvy is very good in terms of reading coverages and putting myself in good positions to make plays.  I promise to work hard and give Kansas everything I've got.

Denver

You just mentioned that Kansas football seems close to perhaps turning a corner. Winning more games, landing better recruits and garnering more attention. You Keeston are a local guy choosing to stay with the local school when it seems so many of your caliber look elsewhere. Why is that? And what message would you hope this sends about Kansas football to other talented local players that may face a similar decision?

Keeston

I think other athletes look at big named programs and automatically think they are going to be successful and have everything that no one else has.  The thing is that no one is guaranteed success and everyone has facilities.  My approach to KU was it was a school that I loved and that I wanted to make a difference there whether it be 1 year from now or 5 years from now.  For other recruits, I mean you don't have to go to a "big named" programs to have success.  Your success is determined by how hard you and your teammates work for success.

To future recruits I would say that KU has the coaches, the resources and the facilities to help you become a success on and off the field.

Denver

As far as your Kansas recruitment, who recruited you, what kinds of things impressed you about the program and what ultimately factored into you wanting to be a Jayhawk.

Keeston

Clint Bowen was the guy who recruited me.  The best thing about Clint is that he will be real with you and he isn't going to force you to be a Jayhawk if you don't want to be one.  They take a more laid back approach and I liked that.  I was impressed by the hunger that KU has to be good even know they are known as a "basketball school"  and the hard working yet relaxing atmosphere was probably the biggest factor.

Denver

Any other recruits, players committed to or currently on the roster that you are really looking forward to playing with?

Keeston

I guess just the guys I'll be involved with next year as far as the receivers; Wilson, Omigie. McGriff, McDougald among others guy.

Denver

Any personal or team goals that you have in mind for your time with the Jayhawks?

Keeston

Number one, Win the North. Number two, win the Big 12 Championship game.  Number three, win another BCS bowl.  Oh and number 1.5 Never lose to Mizzou.

Denver

Love it, well I have to say Keeston this has probably been the best interview's we've had on Rock Chalk Talk, appreciate your time and lastly is there anything else you want to say to Kansas fans?

Keeston

Kansas Fans I cant wait to get there and I cant wait to see you guys wave the wheat. Appreciate the time man.

Denver

Thanks again and good luck with your season