Khalil Keith: Strength and Conditioning, Spring 2021 vs. 2022, Mental Prep

Senior offensive lineman Khalil Keith answers questions submitted by Athlete+ members.

Athlete+: What mentality does an offensive lineman need to have to be dominant?

Khalil Keith: To have that “it takes what it takes” mindset and have a burning desire to dominate your man every rep.

Athlete+: How does this Spring feel different than last Spring?

Khalil Keith: Last spring I couldn’t complete because of injury but this spring has been great being able to build off of my weakness from last season and propel myself in to summer.

Athlete+: Have you benefited from Eric Mateos as your line coach? Is he preparing you for the League?

Khalil Keith: Yes, definitely. He’s a great coach. One of the best in the country at what he does.

Athlete+: At what point did you know Baylor would win the Sugar Bowl?

Khalil Keith: I knew when our defense was playing lights out that they wouldn’t last.

Athlete+: How big of a role do you think Viloria and the rest of the strength staff played in the development/success of the offensive line?

Khalil Keith: They played a huge role. Without those guys we wouldn’t have accomplished anything; they help develop that warrior mentality as well as physical strength. It’s definitely important up front to have a program like Viloria that allows us to physically dominant every team.

Athlete+: Are the strides you personally have made in the S&C program, and those of your position group, bigger after the 2021 offseason or in the current offseason? What weight room accomplishment are you most proud of?

Khalil Keith: This off season I hit my personal best in all of my lifts with 700 on squat and 500 on bench press.

Athlete+: How does it feel to pancake someone?

Khalil Keith: It’s a great feeling to be that bully and to feel them give up physically and know that your capable of doing that to the every down put a different fear element in them.

Athlete+: What DL are you excited to face this season?

Khalil Keith: Will McDonald seem like the top guy in the Big 12 would be nice locking him up this season.

Athlete+: Is there a specific player you are looking forward to going head to head against?

Khalil Keith: No one in particular.

Athlete+: Do you prefer playing guard or tackle?

Khalil Keith: I like tackle more but I don’t mind going inside either.

Athlete+: What pass set do you feel most comfortable in? Quick / 45 / vertical?

Khalil Keith: I’m more of a quick set guy but this spring I’ve widened my range of sets I use depending on the circumstances.

Athlete+: Who was the best DL you went against in the Big 12 last year?

Khalil Keith: Sam Williams from Ole Miss.

Athlete+: What is your biggest personal goal for the 2022 season?

Khalil Keith: To go into the season in my best physical shape, mentally preparing like a pro, remaining consistent week to week, and a bunch of pancakes.

Athlete+: What is the biggest difference between offensive line schemes from Coach Rhule’s offense and Coach Grimes’ offense?

Khalil Keith: I would say the biggest difference during Rhule’s run is that we ran more inside zone/counter. Now we run a wide zone scheme, pin and pull type.

Athlete+: Does it ever annoy you when a RB gets a huge gain and they get to flex for the crowd instead of you who opened up the hole?

Khalil Keith: Not really we know who does the heavy lifting so it doesn't bother me.

Athlete+: Rank the hardest to go against in a one-on-one battle in practice from the defensive line on the Baylor team.

Khalil Keith: Definitely Apu Ika. Dude is just a tank. It’s always fun when we run into each other.

Athlete+: What is the one thing about offensive line that the day to day/normal fan doesn't understand?

Khalil Keith: Just the uniqueness of the group that there is not another position of guys that have to work together in unison the ways we do.