2019 Oklahoma LB Kejuan Hay Updates Offseason from Nike Regional

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Helmet on or off making a tackle, Kejuan Hay was that highly active inside/outside linebacker for Owasso High School in 2017 helping lead the Rams to a 12-1 season capturing a 6A Oklahoma state title. The title run was impressive notching two wins over Jenks while avenging a regular season 44-41 overtime loss to Union in the championship game for the trophy. Whether blitzing from the inside, holding the edge on the outside, or meeting a running back at the line of scrimmage, Hay is that kinetic ball of energy attracted to the pigskin. He put his talents to the test against top regional competition at the Dallas Nike Regional on Sunday, RNG caught up with him for a quick one-on-one covering his junior campaign, Nike camp performance, and recruiting process.

Interview

Kejuan, what was the championship run like for you with the Rams last season?

“It was an unbelievable moment. In past years, Union and Jenks were always in the championship. We were the underdogs. We wanted to prove everyone wrong, we wanted to prove that we could do it.”

How did your overall game improve at linebacker last year?

“At the beginning of the season, I was not as strong as I was at the end fighting off blocks and getting to the ball. Reading my keys improved a lot; it became natural to me. My coverage was the same thing; as the season went on it was more natural and improved.”

What are you working on this offseason?

“My coverage, my explosiveness, and my overall strength.”

Is there one offseason goal you have set for yourself you want to accomplish before the 2018 season begins?

“My goal, which was a struggle, was to get to 225 pounds, but I am there now. Another goal is to improve my 40 time.”

How did the Dallas Nike Opening Regional go for you?

“It went really well. My 40 and vertical were not best, but during the one-on-ones I did well.”

What did you do well at that camp during the one-on-ones?

“I did well getting to the ball and breaking down in open field.”

Did you get any feedback from the coaches at the camp?

“I got a lot of “good jobs” from the defensive coaches.”

Do you have any upcoming camps scheduled?

“I am going to an Oklahoma State camp and I am looking for other camps to go to as well.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“Arkansas, Memphis, Navy, Missouri State, and Tulsa are showing interest in me.”

Which schools have offered you so far?

“I have offers from South Dakota State and Texas State.”

Which schools have you visited so far?

“I have visited South Dakota State, North Texas, and Tulsa.”

How did the North Texas visit go?

“I liked it. It was cool.”

What about Tulsa, how did that visit go?

“I love it there. It was like a home feeling. I am from the area, but still. I love the campus and everything about the school.”

When do the Rams start spring ball?

“We start spring ball on May 14th.”

Where all might we see you on the field during your senior year?

“I will be at middle linebacker but on some packages, I will be an outside linebacker/end type.”

What do the Rams need to do this offseason to defend the title in 2018?

“We have the athletes, we just need to keep working and improving on everything.”

Is there one game on the schedule you are already pumped to play?

“I heard we have two Arkansas teams this year, I think Bentonville West and Fayetteville, and we play Jenks and Union.”

Kejuan, thanks for your time today and good luck with all the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

*Click link for Kejuan Hay’s 2017 season highlight reel

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Kejuan Hay at the 2018 Dallas Nike Opening