#SigningDay 2020: Lineman Keith joins Shepherd defense

Dustin+Keith+and+his+family+celebrate+signing+his+National+Letter+of+Intent+to+Shepherd+University.

graphic by Erich Miller

Dustin Keith and his family celebrate signing his National Letter of Intent to Shepherd University.

by Braden Weinel, Keifer Spore, and Zachary Tilmont

Dustin Keith is one of the most dominant football players in LHS history. On Wednesday, February 5, Keith signed his National Letter of Intent to play collegiate football for Shepherd University. At Shepherd, Keith plans to major in business. 

Dustin had offers from Frostburg State University, Delaware State University, Virginia Military Institute, and Saint Francis University, but he chose Shepherd University mainly because the school is close to home and he has built a good relationship with the coaches. 

Over the past two years Keith has recorded 20 quarterback sacks and 30 tackles for loss. He has played 42 varsity football games in high school, including three State Championship games. Keith earned a second team all-county selection his sophomore year and a first team all-county selection his junior and senior years.  The Frederick News Post has written several stories about Keith’s performance on the field.

“He is one of the best football players that has ever played here,” said football coach, Rick Conner.

Conner went on to compare Keith with Linganore alumni, Corey Nicholson, who played with Joe Flacco in the 2007 Lambert Cup at the University of Delaware and Rob Havenstein who now plays in the National Football League for the Los Angeles Rams. 

Last year Shepherd had an overall record of 7-3 in the Mountain East Conference. Next year, Shepherd will enter the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. 

Keith has been playing for ten years and was a three-year varsity starter. He supports his teammates on and off the field and always came to practice ready to work. 

“He’s definitely a hard worker and a great teammate,” said lineman Graeson Ruch.