Keilen Dykes
Encyclopedia
Keilen Lee Dykes is an American football
defensive end
for the Arizona Cardinals
, he was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football
at West Virginia
.
in high school, Dykes earned All-Ohio
, All-city, and All-NEO honors after recording 75 tackles and 9.5 sacks. He was also named the Youngstown Vindicator city defensive player of the year. Dykes had 18 sacks as a junior
and was selected for the North-South and Big 33 Football Classic
games, while attending Chaney High School.
after enrolling at West Virginia, and then was redshirted by Rich Rodriguez
.
In 2004
, Dykes worked his way into the starting lineup as a redshirt freshman. He recorded 37 tackles, six for a loss, and had two sacks on the season. In 2005
, he started all 13 games. He started the season off with three tackles against Syracuse and Wofford
, followed by four tackles in the win against Maryland
. He had three tackles, two for a loss, and a sack against East Carolina followed by four tackles, 2.5 for a loss, against Rutgers. He then had a pair of sacks in the UConn win, then two tackles against Cincinnati
. He finished out the season with three tackles and a tackle for a loss against South Florida
. As a junior in 2006
, he led a strong Mountaineer rush defense with linebacker Boo McLee
and safety Eric Wicks
that played poorly on pass coverage during the second half of the season. Dykes had 32 tackles on the season, 5.5 tackles for a loss. He also had 3 sacks on the season. The rush defense, allowed just 93.3 rushing yards per game, but was not helped by a pass defense that let 243.3 passing yards get by per game with 17 passing touchdowns being scored on the defense. He was named First-team All-Big East at the end of the season, along with Wicks and McLee. Going into 2007, Dykes led a Mountaineers defense that was expected to improve dramatically with pass coverage, with the return of senior safety (Eric) Wicks and sophomore star safety Quinton Andrews
. Dykes and Wicks were both selected a preseason First-team All-Big East selections, while Dykes was selected as the #7 defensive tackle in the nation by Lindy's
and Wicks was selected as the #7 safety. In the second game of the season against Marshall, Dykes recorded 2.5 tackles against Rimington candidate Doug Legursky
. Against Syracuse at the Carrier Dome
, Dykes had an interception that he took 19 yards for a touchdown. It was the first time a defensive lineman had scored at West Virginia since 1981. In his final game as a Mountaineer, the 48-28 victory in the Fiesta Bowl
against Oklahoma
, he recorded one tackle. He finished the season with 23 tackles, one sack, one interception, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and a defensive touchdown.
Dykes was named First-team All-Big East for the second consecutive season following the final regular season game and awarded the John Russell Award and Captain Award by head coach Rich Rodriguez
. At the end of his career, Dykes was leading the Mountaineer team with 44 starts.
On January 19, 2008, Dykes played in the 2008 East-West Shrine Game
.
. Scott Wright, of NFL Draft Countdown, projected Dykes as the 13th best defensive tackle in the class. On January 14, 2008, it was announced that he had signed with Huntington, West Virginia
agent Dave Rich, who also signed Marshall center Doug Legursky and Louisville receiver Harry Douglas
.
Dykes was not invited to the 2008 NFL Combine
however, and said of it, "I was shocked...I believe they made a mistake. But I'm not going to let it get me down. I still have my pro day."
(* represents NFL Combine
)
On March 17, four days after his pro day, Dykes met with the Pittsburgh Steelers
, in Pittsburgh. In April, USA Today
ranked him the #15 defensive tackle in the class and projected him as a fifth to sixth round selection. The report also expected him to earn a roster spot as a rookie due to his versatility and projected his best fit to be in a 3-4 defensive scheme.
, Dykes signed with the Arizona Cardinals
as a free agent. He was released after the preseason but then re-signed to the team's practice squad. On February 4, 2009, following the end of the season, Dykes was signed to a future contract with the Cardinals. He was waived on September 4, 2009.
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
defensive end
Defensive end
Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years...
for the Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
, he was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football
College football
College football refers to American football played by teams of student athletes fielded by American universities, colleges, and military academies, or Canadian football played by teams of student athletes fielded by Canadian universities...
at West Virginia
West Virginia Mountaineers football
The West Virginia Mountaineers football team represents West Virginia University in the NCAA FBS division of college football. Dana Holgorsen is the team's 33rd head coach. He has held the position since he was promoted in June 2011 after the resignation of Bill Stewart. The Mountaineers play their...
.
Early years
As a seniorTwelfth grade
Twelfth grade or Senior year, or Grade Twelve, are the North American names for the final year of secondary school. In most countries students then graduate at age 17 or 18. In some countries, there is a thirteenth grade, while other countries do not have a 12th grade/year at all...
in high school, Dykes earned All-Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
, All-city, and All-NEO honors after recording 75 tackles and 9.5 sacks. He was also named the Youngstown Vindicator city defensive player of the year. Dykes had 18 sacks as a junior
Eleventh grade
Eleventh Grade is the eleventh, and for some countries final, grade of secondary schools. Students are typically 16 or 17 years of age, depending on the country and the students' birthdays.-Brazil:...
and was selected for the North-South and Big 33 Football Classic
Big 33 Football Classic
The Big 33 Football Classic is an all-star American football game featuring the top high-school football players in Pennsylvania. Played since 1957, the game is often described as the "Super Bowl of High School Football." The last 14 contests have pitted players from Pennsylvania against players...
games, while attending Chaney High School.
Collegiate career
Dykes did not play in 20032003 NCAA Division I-A football season
The 2003 NCAA Division I-A football season ended with an abundance of controversy, resulting in a split national championship. This was the first split title since the inception of the BCS, something the BCS intended to eliminate....
after enrolling at West Virginia, and then was redshirted by Rich Rodriguez
Rich Rodriguez
Richard A. "Rich" Rodriguez is an American football coach and former player. He is currently the head football coach at the University of Arizona. Rodriguez previously served as the head football coach at Salem University , Glenville State College , West Virginia University , and the University...
.
In 2004
2004 NCAA Division I-A football season
The 2004 NCAA Division I-A football season ended with several undefeated teams vying for a spot in the national title game, triggering controversy. In the 2003 season, no team finished the regular season unbeaten, and five teams finished the season with one loss...
, Dykes worked his way into the starting lineup as a redshirt freshman. He recorded 37 tackles, six for a loss, and had two sacks on the season. In 2005
2005 NCAA Division I-A football season
The 2005 NCAA Division I-A football season ended with the least amount of controversy surrounding the Bowl Championship Series title game in many years.To an extent it was a return to classic football...
, he started all 13 games. He started the season off with three tackles against Syracuse and Wofford
Wofford Terriers
Wofford College sponsors 18 sports for men's and women's programs. The Terriers also compete in the Southern Conference, and have been a part of the league since the 1997–98 academic year. Wofford and the other SoCon members play football in the Football Championship Subdivision...
, followed by four tackles in the win against Maryland
Maryland Terrapins football
The Maryland Terrapins football team represents the University of Maryland in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision competition. The Terrapins compete within the Atlantic Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference...
. He had three tackles, two for a loss, and a sack against East Carolina followed by four tackles, 2.5 for a loss, against Rutgers. He then had a pair of sacks in the UConn win, then two tackles against Cincinnati
Cincinnati Bearcats football
The Cincinnati Bearcats football program represents the University of Cincinnati in a college football. They compete at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level as members of the Big East Conference. The Bearcat football program is one of the nation's oldest, having fielded a team as...
. He finished out the season with three tackles and a tackle for a loss against South Florida
South Florida Bulls football
The South Florida Bulls are a Division I FBS college football program that plays its home games in Tampa, Florida. The team began playing in 1997, holding its first team meeting under a shade tree as the school had no proper football facilities on campus...
. As a junior in 2006
2006 NCAA Division I-A football season
The 2006 NCAA Division I FBS football season, or the college football season, began on August 31, 2006 and, aside from all-star exhibition games that followed, concluded with the Bowl Championship Series National Championship Game on January 8, 2007 in Glendale, Arizona, where the #2 Florida...
, he led a strong Mountaineer rush defense with linebacker Boo McLee
Boo McLee
Kevin "Boo" McLee Jr. is an American football linebacker currently a free agent in both the National Football League and Canadian Football League. He played collegiately at West Virginia University....
and safety Eric Wicks
Eric Wicks
Eric Wicks is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at West Virginia.-Early years:...
that played poorly on pass coverage during the second half of the season. Dykes had 32 tackles on the season, 5.5 tackles for a loss. He also had 3 sacks on the season. The rush defense, allowed just 93.3 rushing yards per game, but was not helped by a pass defense that let 243.3 passing yards get by per game with 17 passing touchdowns being scored on the defense. He was named First-team All-Big East at the end of the season, along with Wicks and McLee. Going into 2007, Dykes led a Mountaineers defense that was expected to improve dramatically with pass coverage, with the return of senior safety (Eric) Wicks and sophomore star safety Quinton Andrews
Quinton Andrews
Quinton Andrews is an American football redshirt senior safety for North Alabama. Andrews played the prior three years of his career at West Virginia.-Early life:...
. Dykes and Wicks were both selected a preseason First-team All-Big East selections, while Dykes was selected as the #7 defensive tackle in the nation by Lindy's
Lindy's
Lindy's is a deli and restaurant with two locations in New York City, at 825 7th Avenue and 401 7th Avenue . Lindy's is best known for its original incarnation which opened in 1921 on Broadway...
and Wicks was selected as the #7 safety. In the second game of the season against Marshall, Dykes recorded 2.5 tackles against Rimington candidate Doug Legursky
Doug Legursky
Wayne Douglas "Doug" Legursky is an American football center and right guard for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Marshall.-High-School:He played at Woodrow Wilson High School in...
. Against Syracuse at the Carrier Dome
Carrier Dome
The Carrier Dome is a 49,250-seat domed sports stadium located on the campus of Syracuse University in the University Hill neighborhood of Syracuse, New York, USA. It is home to the Syracuse Orange football, basketball, and lacrosse teams. High school football championships are also held in "The...
, Dykes had an interception that he took 19 yards for a touchdown. It was the first time a defensive lineman had scored at West Virginia since 1981. In his final game as a Mountaineer, the 48-28 victory in the Fiesta Bowl
Fiesta Bowl
The Fiesta Bowl, now sponsored by Frito-Lay and named with their Tostitos brand, is a United States college football bowl game played annually at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Between its origination in 1971 and 2006, the game was hosted in Tempe, Arizona at Sun Devil...
against Oklahoma
Oklahoma Sooners football
The Oklahoma Sooners football program is a college football team that represents the University of Oklahoma . The team is currently a member of the Big 12 Conference, which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association...
, he recorded one tackle. He finished the season with 23 tackles, one sack, one interception, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and a defensive touchdown.
Dykes was named First-team All-Big East for the second consecutive season following the final regular season game and awarded the John Russell Award and Captain Award by head coach Rich Rodriguez
Rich Rodriguez
Richard A. "Rich" Rodriguez is an American football coach and former player. He is currently the head football coach at the University of Arizona. Rodriguez previously served as the head football coach at Salem University , Glenville State College , West Virginia University , and the University...
. At the end of his career, Dykes was leading the Mountaineer team with 44 starts.
On January 19, 2008, Dykes played in the 2008 East-West Shrine Game
East-West Shrine Game
The East–West Shrine Game is an annual post-season college football all-star game played each January since 1925. The game is sponsored by the fraternal group Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and the net proceeds are earmarked to some of the Shrine's charitable works, most notably the Shriners...
.
Pre-draft
After graduating from West Virginia, Dykes entered the 2008 NFL Draft2008 NFL Draft
The 2008 NFL Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 26 and April 27, 2008. For the 29th consecutive year, ESPN televised the draft; the NFL Network also broadcast the event, its third year doing so...
. Scott Wright, of NFL Draft Countdown, projected Dykes as the 13th best defensive tackle in the class. On January 14, 2008, it was announced that he had signed with Huntington, West Virginia
Huntington, West Virginia
Huntington is a city in Cabell and Wayne counties in the U.S. state of West Virginia, along the Ohio River. Most of the city is in Cabell County, for which it is the county seat. A small portion of the city, mainly the neighborhood of Westmoreland, is in Wayne County. Its population was 49,138 at...
agent Dave Rich, who also signed Marshall center Doug Legursky and Louisville receiver Harry Douglas
Harry Douglas
Harry Douglas, IV is an American football wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisville....
.
Dykes was not invited to the 2008 NFL Combine
NFL Combine
The National Invitational Camp or NFL Scouting Combine, as it is more widely known, is a week-long showcase, occurring every February in Indianapolis, Indiana's Lucas Oil Stadium , where college football players perform physical and mental tests in front of National Football League coaches, general...
however, and said of it, "I was shocked...I believe they made a mistake. But I'm not going to let it get me down. I still have my pro day."
| Pre-draft measureables | ||||||
| Wt | 40 yd 40 yard dash The 40-yard dash is a sprint covering . It is primarily run to evaluate the speed of American football players by scouts, particularly for the NFL Draft but also for collegiate recruiting. A player's recorded time in the 40 can have a heavy impact on his prospects in college or professional football... |
20 ss 20 yard shuttle The 20-yard shuttle, also simply called the short shuttle, is a test performed by American football athletes at the NFL combine. It is primarily run to evaluate the quickness and change-of-direction ability of players by scouts, particularly for the NFL Draft but also for collegiate recruiting... |
3-cone 3 cone drill The 3 cone drill, or three cone drill, is a test performed by American football athletes at the NFL combine. It is primarily run to evaluate the agility, quickness and fluidity of movement of players by scouts, particularly for the NFL Draft but also for collegiate recruiting... |
Vert Vertical jump A vertical jump or vertical leap is the act of raising one's center of gravity higher in the vertical plane solely with the use of one's own muscles; it is a measure of how high an individual or athlete can elevate off the ground from a standstill.-Types of vertical jump:The vertical jump is... |
BP Bench press The bench press is an exercise of the upper body. For bodybuilding purposes, it is used to stimulate the pectorals, deltoids, and triceps. While on his or her back, the person performing the bench press lowers a weight to the level of the chest, then pushes it back up until the arm is straight... |
Broad Jump |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 306 lbs | 5.08s | 4.73 | 7.65 | 29 | 33 | 8'10" |
NFL Combine
The National Invitational Camp or NFL Scouting Combine, as it is more widely known, is a week-long showcase, occurring every February in Indianapolis, Indiana's Lucas Oil Stadium , where college football players perform physical and mental tests in front of National Football League coaches, general...
)
On March 17, four days after his pro day, Dykes met with the Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
, in Pittsburgh. In April, USA Today
USA Today
USA Today is a national American daily newspaper published by the Gannett Company. It was founded by Al Neuharth. The newspaper vies with The Wall Street Journal for the position of having the widest circulation of any newspaper in the United States, something it previously held since 2003...
ranked him the #15 defensive tackle in the class and projected him as a fifth to sixth round selection. The report also expected him to earn a roster spot as a rookie due to his versatility and projected his best fit to be in a 3-4 defensive scheme.
Arizona Cardinals
After going undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft2008 NFL Draft
The 2008 NFL Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 26 and April 27, 2008. For the 29th consecutive year, ESPN televised the draft; the NFL Network also broadcast the event, its third year doing so...
, Dykes signed with the Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
as a free agent. He was released after the preseason but then re-signed to the team's practice squad. On February 4, 2009, following the end of the season, Dykes was signed to a future contract with the Cardinals. He was waived on September 4, 2009.