On The Plains with Austin Keys: ‘Play every snap like it’s my last’

AUBURN, Ala. – For senior linebacker Austin Keys, playing at the highest level of college football has always been one of his biggest dreams. He is finishing the accomplishment of that dream at Auburn. 

Keys, a 22-year-old who attended Seminary High School in Mississippi, transferred to Auburn from Ole Miss in January 2023, to finish his college career on the Plains. 

Since a young age, family has always been of great importance to Keys. His two brothers, Montrell and Mylan, motivated him to put all his focus into football and become the best player he could be. 

“My family, and most importantly my brothers, have been my biggest motivation,” Keys said. “If it weren’t for my brothers, I probably wouldn’t be where I am right now because I didn’t have internal thoughts about playing football and going pro.” 

Since his introduction to the Tigers last season, Keys – who played in 23 games at Ole Miss from 2020-22, recording 51 career tackles – has wanted to step up for his fellow teammates and be a role model, despite suffering injuries during his first year at Auburn. 

“I try to shine the light on others and let them know that once the cleats are up, they're up,” Keys said. “And being down isn’t the best feeling at all, so I just try to get my mindset right by saying that I have to play each game like it’s my last game and play every snap like it’s my last.”

The Taylorsville, Mississippi, product has played in the SEC his whole career and is ready for the new challenges that his senior season brings. 

“There are not many ways to approach it. Since it is my last, it has to be my best season,” Keys said. “I’m taking different steps and trying to make sure I eat right and I’m on the right itinerary to get stuff done – make sure I know the playbook well and take the extra time to study film and prepare myself mentally for the season.” 

Keys, who is studying sociology at Auburn, wants to establish himself as a leader for the younger players on defense, especially playing under new defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin. 

“I want to be a better leading voice for the freshman and the newcomers,” Keys said about his goals. “Since playing under Durk, I know how he operates and that will give me an edge in helping people who don’t know, so I can be there when they have questions and help them. I just want to help.” 

Since high school, Keys has had many coaches who have motivated him to never quit and fight through the hard times. 

“I would say my previous coaches at high school and in college have been my biggest mentors,” he said. “I was in a rough spot in my life when I had my first knee surgery, and a coach stepped up while I was going through it to be a real mentor to me. That really helped me open up to people and accept help. And now I want to be the one to help others.”  

From the beginning, Keys has loved being part of the Auburn Family. He felt accepted right away, since the day he first committed to the Tigers. 

“My first interaction with the Auburn family was at a basketball game the day I committed; the word got out fast,” Keys recalled. “I committed right before the basketball game, and when I went in, it was crazy. It was my first Auburn basketball game, and the atmosphere in the arena was crazy. 

“The first football game I played in at Jordan-Hare was insane. Having 88,000 fans screaming for you was unreal. But that’s family.” 

 

Family and tradition are very important to Keys. He has felt that special connection with the core Auburn values since arriving on campus, and it is something he has learned to embrace and cherish over the last year. 

“Auburn’s been nothing but great to me since I’ve been here,” Keys said. “Everyone has had a nice approach and always asks how you’re doing or if you need anything. They have helped a lot moving into a new school.” 

Since he arrived at Auburn, Keys has improved his preparation before games and is eager to leave it all out on the field this season. One of his mentors here at Auburn, FCA team chaplain Chette Williams, has helped Keys grow and helped him develop the mindset to overcome setbacks from the thumb injury and surgery he faced last season. 

“He knows what I have been through this last year, and it was hard,” Keys said. “I connect with Brother Chette before we go out in the tunnel, and we do a quick prayer to give me an extra push. And my teammates being there – that team feeling helps to encourage me and hype me up. That first feeling that let me know that I was back last year was everything to me.” 

Keys is more than excited for Kickoff on the Plains, Auburn’s first home against Alabama A&M on Aug. 31. After learning the ropes and then overcoming injury last season, he is ready to play to his full potential this fall. 

“I feel ready,” he said. “Last year helped me. I had some butterflies at the beginning of last season. This year feels like a rerun in terms of being anxious to get started, but with a better understanding of my teammates and my coaches. I know we’ll be ready.”