The Green Bay Packers have signed 6’4″ 290 lb Madison, WI native, Keonte Schad. Keonte will bring more competition and depth to the defensive line going into 2024. With Jeff Hafley’s new 4-3 scheme the Packers will need depth on the line especially with DL Spencer Waege recovering from a concussion. Here’s a closer look at the new member of the squad.
Early Years
Keonte Schad grew up in Madison, WI with his mother Teresa Schad, brother Deonte, and sister Shonta. He grew up a fan of Wisconsin sports and fancied himself a fisherman when younger. A true student of the game, Keonte expressed his desires even at a young age to go into coaching when he hangs up the cleats.
High School
Keonte Schad started playing ball at Madison East High School. A true versatile athlete, Keonte played quarterback, offensive line and outside linebacker. Meanwhile, he also lettered in baseball for 3 seasons
He finished his high school career with 46 tackles (including 12 TFLs), 3 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, and a rushing touchdown. He wore the captain C for 2 seasons, was WFCA All-Region Honors, and was named First-Team All-Big Eight Conference.
Take a look at some of the highlights from his high school career below.
College Years
ELLSWORTH COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Keonte began his collegiate career in Iowa Falls, IA at Ellsworth Community College. He was named ICCAC All-Conference and First -Team all region as a freshman. That year he put up 48 tackles (including 12 TFLs), 1 sack, and 2 fumble recoveries. The following year as a sophmore he recorded 23 tackles (including 7.5 TFLs) and 2 fumble recoveries.
MINNESOTA GOPHERS
Keonte would then transfer for a 2 year stint with the Minnesota Gophers. At that time, he was a 4 star recruit according to ESPN. He also ranked 20th in ESPN’s JUCO top 50, and was ranked 2nd overall at Defensive Tackle.
His Junior year saw 21 tackles including 2.5 TFLs. Unfortunately he only put up 8 tackles over 4 games the following year in 2020 while missing 3 games due to COVID.
He then entered the transer portal once more. This time landing in Corvallis, OR with the Oregon Beavers at OSU.
OSU
His senior year (and final year of eligibility) would be his best to date. Keonted appeared in all 13 games. He ended the year with 46 tackles (including 6 TFLs), 2.5 sacks and 2 pass deflections. He was also named All-Pac-12 Honorbale Mention and Phil Steele All-Pac-12 4th Team. He then declared for the 2022 NFL Draft.
Here’s a look at his draft prospect sheet: Keonte Schad #88 OSU
Guardians, and Breakers, and Roughnecks, Oh My!
Keonte went undrafted after college. He then signed a UDFA deal with the Arizona Cardinals in 2022, but would fail to make the final 53 man roster cut.
With the NFL in the rearview, Schand would then go on to have a prolific career making the rounds in the amateur league circuits. He would spend some with the XFL Orlando Guardians, and had a pretty solid year in 2023 with the New Orleans Breakers.
That NFL contract wouldn’t come, however Keonte found his way to my favorite UFL team this year, The Houston Roughnecks.
Back Home With The Green Bay Packers
In a truly unique turn of events, Keonte has finally found his place in the NFL.
The Packer’s roster spot opened up after waiving International Pathway Player, Kenneth Odumegwu this last week. The Packers in turn signed Kicker Alex Hale (Australian born) to the Pathway Program. The Packers worked Keonte out this past Tuesday, and will now have him sporting a No. 98 jersey, and a Green Bay Packers “G” on his helmet.
Keonte’s story is one you love to see. A true tale of hard work and perserverance culminating in a life’s dream. Playing for his home team in the NFL.
You can’t help but root for an underdog story like this. Especially for a Wisconsite living out all of our childhood dreams for us at 1265 Lombardi Avenue.
Check out Keonte and the rest of the squad live in person this season by getting your tickets from Ticket King. Click the image below and avoid using those national chains like Seat Geek and StubHub. Use a Wisconsin based business for all your Packers ticket needs!
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