Knights lineman Brevard-bound
Robbinsville – Perhaps the most important players on the gridiron rarely get the recognition they so richly deserve.
You can stack the best talent available in your backfield – or spread out receivers – but without a stubborn line to thwart the oncoming attack, it is highly unlikely any given play will result in a positive outcome. Coaches keep an eye out for the next component that contributes to the ongoing triumph of a team – the key to success, if you will.
As such, Brevard College has kept tabs on Robbinsville senior Haden Key for a while and recently made an offer the Black Knight could not turn down – a chance to play college football, relatively close to home.
“I’m really excited for this, but I’m also kind of nervous,” Key admitted. “It’s like the bird leaving the nest, in a way. It’s a big change in life; football will be my job. But overall, I’m excited and ready for the opportunity.”
Lenoir-Rhyne University (Hickory) and North Carolina Wesleyan College (Rocky Mount) also expressed interest in the 6-foot-2, 270-pound guard/defensive tackle. Affectionally nicknamed “Moo” by his coaches, teammates and friends, Key had 82 total tackles over the course of his varsity career (45 solo) and opted to play for the Tornadoes because of its proximity to Graham County.
Key has also suited up for the Black Knights as a wrestler, but fell in love with football at an early age and never really looked back.
“Football is closer to my heart;
I’ve been playing since I was little,” said Key. “I didn’t start wrestling until middle school, but it would never be better than football to me.”
Key plans to obtain a degree in either exercise science or physical education, in hopes of embarking on a career as an athletic trainer.
“It would be cool to be on the field as an athletic trainer in an NFL stadium,” Key said.
“I can watch a sport that I love and help people while I’m doing it.”