Interview: 3-Star 2021 Louisiana DT Keenan Landry is a One Man Show in the Trenches
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Win the battle of the line of scrimmage and a team will more times than not win the day. At Jennings High School in Louisiana, the Bulldogs have a weapon in the trenches on defense, and that one-man gang helped his team to the 3A state championship game (8-6). Now, college coaches are wanting to learn more about Class of 2021 defensive tackle Keenan Landry.
The Bulldogs’ 2019 season was nothing close to typical on the field. The squad lost their first three games in heartbreaking fashion and then found their footing winning six of their final seven contests. The run to the title game was aided by Landry’s ability to eat up offensive linemen dictating the action of the game. The now 6-3, 325-pound, defender quickly put an end to 70-plus plays with six sacks, an estimated 30 tackles for a loss, another roughly 30 QB hurries, knocked away a handful of passes, forced three fumbles, picked up a couple and blocked field multiple field goals and punts.
The productivity on the gridiron was met with postseason accolades earning All-Parish, All-District, and All-State. The recruiting trail action picked up for the three-star rated talent with offers extended from Louisiana-Monroe, LSU, South Alabama, Texas A&M, and Tulane.
In an RNG first-look, I sat down with Landry wanting to learn more about one of Louisiana’s top 2021 defensive linemen ahead of a big senior season.
Interview
Keenan, you were a big presence in the trenches for Jennings last season on defense. When the opposing linemen saw you coming, how were they trying to block you in an attempt to slow you down?
“They were double- and triple-teaming me, chop blocking, holding – anything they could do to stop me from getting into the backfield. I’d even have a running back chipping me.”
Which areas of your game improved the most during the 2019 season?
“My ability to help others make plays. I was such a big presence that they were focused on me which cleared up space for everyone else.”
When you want to dominate a one-on-one matchup, not only your size but your strength can take over. What are your weight room maxes?
“I’ve never really hit my max on bench, I did 375 one time. On squat I got 505 and my power clean was 315.”
Impressive. Will your roles change at all in 2020?
“I will play tight end on our goal line package or on short yardage plays and I might go out on a route this season, you never know.”
That would be cool to see. Since the season ended, what have you been working on with your game?
“Since it ended, with the quarantine limiting everything, I have been staying in shape by pushing and pulling my dad’s truck. I’ve been flipping tires and lifting weights staying active by running and doing footwork and cone drills.”
Going into recruiting, which schools are showing interest as we near your senior season?
“A whole bunch of schools – 30 or 40 schools have contacted me.”
How many offers do you have?
“Five.”
Going back over the last few months, did you take any visits?
“Yes, I went on a Junior Day visit at LSU.”
How did the LSU visit turn out?
“It was nice. I got to go around the campus and look at everything.”
Once things get going again, are there any planned visits you may take?
“I will most likely visit Missouri, ULM (Louisiana-Monroe), Louisiana Tech, Ole Miss, and some other schools too.”
Last one for you. What have you been doing during the quarantine for fun?
“Playing Call of Duty.”
Are you good at it?
(Laughs) “I can make people mad.”
Keenan, I appreciate your time today and wish you continued success with your workouts this spring.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Jennings HS/Landry family; Keenan Landry (2019)