Jared Keyte Wants UMass Defense to Have a Distinct Sound
The Minutemen defensive coordinator wants communication, violence & connection to become the foundation of his defensive.
Jared Keyte wants his players to understand what it sounds like to play violently, but the UMass defensive coordinator doesn’t need actual audio to know whether his defense is playing the way he wants.
Every practice is filmed, but when Keyte and the entire defensive unit review it, he isn’t listening for the crack of shoulder pads. He couldn’t hear that even if he was since the tape is silent.
What he can see, though - communication, relentless effort, swarming to the football and physicality - says plenty.
As preseason camp gets rolling, Keyte believes the defense has moved beyond simply learning the scheme. Now, it’s about consistently playing it the right way.
“The number one thing we started with going into training camp is preparing to win and having the mindset to do that,” Keyte said. “We talk a lot right now about what it sounds like on tape. Obviously there’s no volume when we watch the tape, but the communication, the violence, the swarm, the effort that we play with each other, that’s the main emphasis.
“We’re in a pretty good place with our scheme, but right now we’re coaching the fundamentals and how we play the game. And I think our guys are connecting with that.”
Violence has become one of the defining principles head coach Joe Harasymiak has talked about instilling in the defense this year. Keyte believes that extends far beyond making a big tackle or delivering a hard hit.
“I think it’s in everything you do,” Keyte said. “What we talk to our guys about is it’s not just with how you play. It’s how you communicate. It’s your mindset when you come in the door. It’s how you prepare for meetings. Violence can be in every detail and part of football and every part of your life.
“It’s more of a mindset. And if the guys buy in and they see it and you’re showing it on tape and showing examples of when you can use it, that’s when you start seeing it on the field. Our guys have had a good approach with that so far.”
That mentality has been especially important for a defense blending returning players with a large group of newcomers. Building those relationships and connections has been one of the program’s biggest priorities all offseason.
“Our number one thing right now is connection,” Keyte said, echoing another one of Harasymiak’s offseason themes. “In the offseason, that’s kind of where we’ve focused our energy. Obviously the football side of things, but getting this group together, putting our phones away, eating lunch together and trying to integrate the groups so that they know who they’re playing with.
“The best defenses I’ve been a part of, they play for each other. It matters who’s playing next to them and they want to play for them. You don’t want to let anybody down. I think we’re in a spot right now where the guys are buying into that and we’re always pointing out opportunities to celebrate with your teammates, to show love to teammates.
“Those things go a long way on and off the field.”
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