DB Keirstead is a multi-talented force

Auburn’s Soaring Eagle: Johnathan Keirstead is a defender that brings a lot to the table. A versatile player that can impact the game at numerous positions, the Auburn Eagles’ defensive MVP is the kind of athlete that great defences are built around. Having experience at defensive back, linebacker, tailback and even returning punts, Keirstead has the football instincts and natural athleticism to excel wherever the coach needs him to line up. Entering his final year of high school football, Keirstead is ready to make the most of his season and help lead Auburn to the playoffs once again.

John Keirstead:

Positions:

Defensive Back, Linebacker, Tailback, Punt Returner

Height/Weight:

5’11”, 198 lbs

Teams:

Auburn Eagles (high school: NSSAFFL)

Dartmouth Destroyers (Dartmouth minor football)

Commitment:

None

Official Visits:

St. FX

Considerations:

Open

Class:

2017

Awards

– 2010 Offensive MVP Dartmouth Destroyers

– 2013 Iron Man Award Dartmouth Destroyers

– 2014 Defensive Rookie of the Year Auburn Eagles

– 2015 Team Defensive MVP Auburn Eagles

– 2015 Defensive player of the game

– 2015 Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation – All Star Team

– 2016 Top Prospects Canada Elite Combine MVP

– #3 on Top Prospects Top 10 in the Maritimes

– 2016 – Defensive Player of the Game Canada Cup

– Multiple combine and football camp awards

Johnathan Keirstead began playing football when he was just seven years old for the Dartmouth Destroyers of the Dartmouth minor football league, and the young Keirstead knew immediately that he was hooked and had a talent for the sport.

“It was something I really liked and was good at so I continued playing from Timbits to Bantam level,” recalled Keirstead. “From there I spent 3 years playing for the Nova Scotia U17 and U18 teams and currently I am in my last year of playing high school football for the Auburn Eagles.”

A highly decorated prospect, Keirstead has already amassed an impressive list of awards and accomplishments, all of which are a direct testament to not only his skills, but also his passion and dedication to the game. The recipient of a defensive player of the game award at the 2016 Canada Cup, Keirstead shows up when it matters most and does not shy away from big moments. Keirstead’s commitment to always improving and raising his level of play is reflected by the fact that he was awarded the Auburn defensive MVP award just one season after winning the defensive rookie award. Needless to say, Keirstead is set up for a monster 2016 season.

The Eagles’ defensive standout has a lot to be optimistic about as he and his team prepare for the start of the season, and Keirstead is looking to build upon the important personal highlights and moments of progress he experienced this past year.

“Last year was the first time ever in school history that our high school football team made it to the playoffs and to the championship game,” offered Keirstead. “We lost a tough game but it is something I will always remember. Another highlight for me personally was receiving the game defensive MVP at the Canada Cup this year.”

There are numerous influences in Keirstead’s life that have played an important role in his success on the field. From his close football connection to his father, to the invaluable defensive coaching that has helped him develop into a well-rounded player, the talented Auburn Eagle knows how crucial these personal influences were in helping him become the outstanding player he is today.

“The most influential person in my life is definitely my dad,” described Keirstead. “He has coached me on the field from the time I was 8 with Dartmouth Destroyers, the provincial teams and my high school team. We’ve been training together at the gym for the past four or five years as well. Also, my defensive coach Bryce Fisher has coached me for the last three years and has really helped me improve my game and grow as a player.”

When it comes to football inspiration and the professional players he personally looks up to, the Auburn defensive back studies and watches one of the best in the business.

“I like to watch Patrick Peterson of the Arizona Cardinals,” added Keirstead when describing his influences. “I like how he plays and his ability to keep up with the receivers.”

As far as the recruitment scene goes, Keirstead’s standout performance on the gridiron has drawn the interest of numerous university programs all over the country, leading to one official visit so far. While Keirstead is just beginning the recruitment process and has not made a commitment yet, the options are wide open as the talented defender prepares to make the most of his senior season for the Auburn Eagles.

“Since I am just starting my grade 12 year, I have not committed to any schools yet,” Keirstead said. “Although, I have been in contact from several recruiters from UBC, Saint Mary’s University, St FX, McMaster, Western and York, and I went on one official recruiting trip to St FX.”

The Auburn defender has even caught the eyes of coaches south of the border.

“One coach inquiry came in from Williston Northhampton Prep School in Massachusetts,” added Keirstead.

While the whole recruitment experience is brand new for Keirstead, all the interest that he has attracted is a testament to not only his football skills, but the disciplined hard work the Auburn Eagle puts in behind the scenes. Keirstead is happy to see his hard work paying off, and the future is filled with possibility as his considerations are wide open.

“I’m new to the recruitment process so I’m not really sure what to expect,” expressed Keirstead. “It’s nice to be recognized for all the hard work you put in to the sport and I hope schools continue to show interest in me. I am open to visiting any universities that show an interest in recruiting me. Right now my only official visit planned is to St FX in October.”

Part of the reason Keirstead has excelled as much as he has on the field, and grown into the prospect he has, is due to the tireless efforts he puts into his training and conditioning. With an already rigorous and well-rounded training regiment to match his well-rounded play on the field, Keirstead plans to take his game even further in 2016 by spending more time studying the game in addition to his physical preparation.

“Right now I weight train 5 days a week at the gym along with strength and agility training at home,” described the Auburn standout. “I plan to continue to weight and agility train 5 days a week, but I plan to watch more game film this year so I can improve my game play.”

Looking to a future beyond football, Keirstead has some serious academic aspirations that will make good use of his focused and dedicated work ethic.

“I would like to attend university and take a Bachelor of Business and then take a post graduate degree in Law,” offered Keirstead when describing his future plans.