Fourth-and-blog

63 days to Camp Rantoul

Posted by: Bob Asmussen

Wednesday, June 3, 2009 8:30 PM

No. 33: Tad Keely, long snapper.

Why he's important: The punt, which Lou Tepper always calls the most important play of the game, can't get started without him. The junior from Oswego didn't get to break in against a soft opponent. His first game was the 2008 Rose Bowl against Southern Cal. Note that Anthony Santella had the best game of his career and that you didn't hear Keely mentioned a bit. That's good news for the long snapper, who like the umpire in baseball feels best when he doesn't get interview requests. If Illinois is to improve in special teams, it needs a flawless season from Keely.

Getting personal: He is from a long snapper family. His brother, Tyler, was an Illinois long snapper from 2003-06. Their dad, Dave, played at Western Illinois and is currently the head coach at Oswego. Like his older brother, Tad is a smart guy, earning academic All-Big Ten honors. Like most specialists, he is a pleasant guy away from the field. Can't wait for his upcoming Q&A.

To see No. 34, click here.

To see No. 35, click here.

To see No. 36, click here.

To see No. 37, click here.

To see No. 38, click here.

To see No. 39, click here.

To see No. 40, click here.

To see No. 41, click here.

To see No. 42, click here.

To see No. 43, click here.

To see No. 44, click here.

To see No. 45, click here.

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