2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Keegan Markgraf, LS, University of Utah
- Name: Keegan Markgraf
- Position: Long Snapper
- College: University of Utah
- Height: 6’3
- Weight: 240
- Twitter: keeganmarkgraf
- Instagram: kmarkgraf61
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2022 NFL Draft?
- I believe I am the top long snapper in the 2022 NFL Draft because of my commitment to every aspect of the game. I snap a smooth, accurate, consistent ball. I have the size at 6’3 and 240 pounds, but also am long levered. I am able to get my head up and see my blocking responsibility quickly. I am also able to understand leverage in order to complete my blocking assignment against bigger and stronger opponents. What separates me, I believe, is my film study. I guarantee I watch more film than any snapper in the country.
At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?
- I was first interested in football in Grade 9, my first year of high-school. I am from Canada, so hockey is the dominant sport for kids. Thankfully I was introduced to my high-school coach early in my Grade 9 year and he led me to joining the team.
What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?
- My entire life has always been about sports, there has never been any other career that I wanted besides being a professional athlete. I love devoting my life to the game.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
- Jumpstart in Canada. It is an organization that helps kids fund sports leagues/equipment costs. They help more kids get into organized athletics. Sports helped me so much as a kid and I believe they do a great job allowing all to be included.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
- Coach Elisaia, the strength coach at Utah once told us “Starve your temptations to feed your aspirations”. Ever since he said that, I really try and take that into every part of my life. Just remain focused on your goals and don’t allow temptations to affect you.
Who was your childhood hero?
- I would say my sister. She was always the best natural athlete in our city, and she could pick up any sport and do well. I remember her going to track or running events and just blow everyone out of the water. Seeing her be so successful pushed me to work hard, even at a young age, just to see the results she naturally got.
Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?
- Cole Fotheringham. He is probably the best blocking tight end I have ever seen. Yet he is so athletic and versatile and that takes people by surprise. This was seen in the 2020 season, when he hurdled a DB at Colorado. A very sneaky athlete than can block like an OL.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
- When the plane lands and someone from a row near the back tries to get up immediately and pass by everyone in front of them before it is their turn.
Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?
- I am currently going through that. I tore my ACL and both meniscus week 5 of my senior season. It was devastating and really took a toll on me. Yet I feel like I am overcoming it as I am a few weeks ahead of schedule and look to be recovered in under 6 months. It has been a tough recovery, but it has made me more thankful for the sport and my teammates.
Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?
- Utah is so special to me because of the family aspect. I feel like every school says that, but I truly believe 99% of them don’t mean it. At Utah we lost two members of our team within 10 months. How our team, coaches, entire university came together and was able to lean on each other really proved that we are a family.
What is your favorite snack food?
- I love edamame
What is the best part of football?
- It goes along with my earlier answer, but the brotherhood and family aspect. There is no way myself or any of my teammates would be able to get through those loses alone. Also, with my injury I was a captain and was able to stay around the team for the rest of the season. I realize now, that was so important to my recovery, not necessarily physically, but mentally.
If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?
- I am a player and a person who coaches and front offices won’t have to worry about for any reason, on or off the field.
If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?
- I have never really compared myself, or tried to model myself off of any NFL snapper. However, from watching NFL film, I would say Aaron Brewer of the Cardinals and I are pretty similar. Kind of long levered guys.
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?
- Bobby Orr – He was my favorite hockey player growing up, I idolized him, so meeting him would be amazing.
- Drake – I am a massive Drake fan, I would love to get to know him and his mentality. A guy who gets so much hate, yet keeps being true to himself would be great to learn from.
- Tiger Woods – I bet he would have some incredible stories to share, and a few pointers from him would help my golf game immensely.
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com