Texas Football: Interview with Keller 2021 QB Hayden Anderson
By Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Hayden Anderson had a big first year as starting quarterback at Keller High School. The 6’1”, 175-pound, gunslinger threw for 1,259 yards and nine touchdowns while rushing for 373 and three more scores despite missing some games in the middle of the season. Overall, Anderson helped lead the Indians to a 7-4 record including a trip to the playoffs where they fell to Flower Mound in heartbreaking fashion (31-30).
This dual-threat quarterback has a great football IQ as he can read defenses well and possesses an accurate arm which he uses to make different throws all over the field. Anderson also has great footwork and athleticism to make plays in the run game if necessary.
This class of 2021 prospect currently has five college offers and is also drawing from several big-time college programs including Air Force and Houston. Anderson not only stars on the football and track team but also in the classroom where he holds a 3.6 GPA.
Interview
Hayden, what are your thoughts on the 2019 season?
“The season went very well, despite a mid-season injury that took me out for a few games. I got to finish our season and play in the playoffs. The team and I really took advantage of our strengths and that allowed us to be successful.”
How would you grade your individual performance last season and why?
“My first game was really a big change as it was my first varsity experience. The speed of the game was faster than expected but once I got comfortable, it really took off. Around halftime in that game is when the team and I clicked. My game-play advanced throughout the season and my understanding of the game has really developed. My decision making got faster and it allowed me to really attack our opponents’ weaknesses.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“I can make honest reads, I understand concepts throughout and know why I’m doing what I’m doing, and I can put balls in tight windows. But what sets me apart is the fact that l can run. I like to say I have the mind of a pro-style but the legs of a dual-threat. I have the mobility that allows me to be a threat in the run game but also the decision-making in the passing game.”
What was your most memorable moment last season?
“The district games, all of those games have such a great environment. In the big cross-town rivalry, we loved that energy and fed off of that.”
Did you receive any individual honors?
“First Team All-District and Team Offensive MVP.”
Would you consider yourself a dual-threat quarterback or pro style?
“I am a dual-threat. I can run, make reads and run the RPOs (run-pass option) all of it. However, I’m also not afraid to sit in the pocket, make the throws, and get hit.”
What is your practice and workout schedule during the offseason?
“Well this offseason has been quite different because of the quarantine. Luckily, I had a family member with a weight room in their garage, so early mornings I’d drive over and lift. Then I had quarterback Zoom meetings. Once things started opening up a little, around 10:00 a.m. everyday a few receivers and I would go run routes to get our timing and conditioning down. We really have had to do as much as we can to make sure when fall comes around we are successful.”
What are you working on the most to improve your game?
“Breaking down any small inconsistencies. I want to get my timing right and keep developing my understanding of the game.”
What is one area of your game that you’ve seen the most improvement in since the start of last season?
“My decision-making speed, this really developed during the season and has kept developing with the help of Coach Cope, our offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, during our film review and during practice.”
What is your fastest 40-yard dash time?
“4.59.”
What do you like most about playing quarterback?
“Leadership. The quarterback has a special position to be the “field general” but even off the field being able to try and build the guys around me. Also having the ability to create an environment that will allow us to succeed.”
Is there a current NFL player that you try to model your game after?
“Russell Wilson, because he can make big time throws and still is a threat on the run.”
What kind of offense does Keller High School run?
“A Spread offense.”
What areas of your game translate well to the way your offense is run?
“I can run our game with speed, but the speed also allows us to be more mobile in the backfield which really gives me a change to use my abilities as well as creating great situations for us to be effective in the passing game.”
Do you have any college offers?
“Yes, I have offers from Abilene Christian University, Lamar University, University of Arkansas-Monticello, East Central University, and Southwest Baptist University.”
*After this interview Anderson received an offer from Oklahoma Baptist
Are there any other schools showing you interest at this time?
“Air Force, Houston, Akron, Sam Houston State, Wofford, and Weber State are some of the few that have shown interest.”
What do you like most about playing at Keller High School?
“The environment. We have a real big family environment at Keller and it’s the reason we’ve been as successful as we have.”
Do you play any other sports in high school?
“I run track, the open 200 and the 4×2. At the last meet I ran, I had a time of 22.34 for the open 200.”
What is your GPA?
“3.6.”
What are your goals for your senior season?
“The short and simple version is that my goals are to do my part and help our team win. I want to create another playoff berth and go win.”
Thank you for your time and good luck in your senior season.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: QB Hit List; Keller QB Hayden Anderson
Photo credit: Anderson family; Hayden Anderson at Lamar