Keith Woetzel

Linebacker / Buffalo

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Keith Woetzel:  I am 6’1, 225 and 4.65.   

Alex Khvatov:  How did you prepare for the 2020 season with no offseason training?

Keith Woetzel:  I had personal workouts.  My brother in law is a physical therapist.  He has a gym and equipment that I used.  I was working out and lifting weights.   

Alex Khvatov:  Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?

Keith Woetzel:  I lettered in basketball for three years from my sophomore to senior year.   

Alex Khvatov:  What positions did you play in high school? 

Keith Woetzel:  I played WR, QB, RB, and TE on offense.  On defense, I played primarily LB and I also played safety my senior year.   

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Keith Woetzel:  I didn’t have many offers.  I only had Lehigh.  The rest of the Patriot league teams reached out, but they didn’t offer. 

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at Lehigh? 

Keith Woetzel:  It was a no brainer with the academics and the school.  I graduated from there.     

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you transfer to Buffalo for your final season? 

Keith Woetzel:  The Patriot League has a rule.  You can’t come back for a fifth year unless you received a medical hardship.  I never did.  I also wanted to play at the FBS level and get to the next level.  Buffalo had a vision for me.  I wanted to play at the MAC conference and play on ESPN.  I committed to Buffalo in February.    

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your overall career?        

Keith Woetzel:  Freshman year, I was hurt.  I pulled a hamstring.  I sat back and learned from people.  Sophomore year, I earned a Mike spot.  I made a name for myself.  I lead the team in tackles my sophomore year.  We won the league my sophomore year.  We lost in the first round of the FCS playoffs.  Junior year, I led the team in tackles again.  Senior year, we had a new coaching staff.  They filtered the defense around me.  I was an All-American, all-conference and all-region.  I led the team in tackles again.  Our senior year, every game was close. 

Alex Khvatov:  What can we expect from your team this upcoming season? 

Keith Woetzel:  We are the talk of the town.  We feel that we are the best team in the MAC.  I have been meeting the guys.  We have a lot of seniors.  RB Jaret Patterson is a preseason all-American.  We have a good OL and DL.  The game is won in the trenches.    

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Keith Woetzel:  I am the QB of the defense.  I know where everyone needs to be.  My decision-making is good.  I also read and react well.     

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Keith Woetzel:  Footwork, shedding blocks and pursuing the ball.  I need to work on my man to man coverage.   

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Keith Woetzel:  One of the best games at Lehigh was during my sophomore year against Lafayette.  It was pouring rain out there.  We came together as a team in the second half.  We won a championship against our rival in the Patriot League. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff? 

Keith Woetzel:  My defensive coordinator said that the road to success is always under construction.  You are never there.  You are always trying to better yourself.  There is always room for improvement.   

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team? 

Keith Woetzel:  It was the Giants growing up.  I watched Eli Manning lead the team to victory against the Patriots.   

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Keith Woetzel:  Luke Kuechly.  Growing up, it was Brian Urlacher.  Now it might be Cam Newton.   

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?

Keith Woetzel:  RB Jaret Patterson, LB James Patterson, slot receiver Trevor Wilson and backup RB Kevin Marks is a great player. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Keith Woetzel:  At Lehigh, it was RB Zach Davis from Fordham.  He was shifty and was able to break tackles.   

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a LB?

Keith Woetzel:  It has to be decision-making.  You have to know what the offense is doing.  As a LB, you have multiple responsibilities.   

Alex Khvatov:  What is your definition of a leader?

Keith Woetzel:  A definition of a leader is someone who does tough things all the time.  He has to be the one who works the hardest.  Someone who is heard by the masses.  He has to get on people, so they are held accountable.     

Alex Khvatov:  What makes you unique?

Keith Woetzel:  As a person, I am into everything. I have been a sports guy since I was little.  I am always interested in learning new stuff. 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Keith Woetzel:  Definitely, the camaraderie and relationships you build.  Hanging out with the guys and laughing in the locker room.  Sharing the good moments.     

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Keith Woetzel:  Golf and video games.   

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Keith Woetzel:  My major was in psychology.  My minor at Lehigh was in marketing.  Now I am getting my master’s in finance.  Football is always first.  I want to get into consumer marketing. 

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Keith Woetzel:  Consistent, determined, motivated, driven, and passionate.