Hamilton's Rise Comes Through a Fortunate Series of Events

FORT COLLINS, Colo. – The night of Oct. 28, Keegan Hamilton was at The Riverside Hotel in Boise, Id., knowing the next day he'd be making his first collegiate start. A year earlier, to the day, he had been on the field for Rock Canyon, beating Castle View 21-14.

No, he never dreamed a year later he'd be in the position he is, starting at center for Colorado State. He's not the only one, either.

CSU offensive line coach Billy Best had never started a true freshman walk-on at center in his 19-year career. Hamilton starting is by necessity, which he knows. His goal was to hopefully see some time on special teams, maybe get a few reps in at guard.

But Hamilton's trip to a starting role was him being ready for anything, which happened this season for Colorado State's offensive line. Two tackles get hurt, so center Jacob Gardner moves outside again, where he played two years at Nevada. A couple of other tackles were tried and a second center. Then a third center, redshirt freshman George Miki-Han starts for a three games. When he was hurt late in the Hawaii game, Hamilton entered.

In all, Colorado State has started six different offensive line combinations this season.

Hamilton has started the past three games, but there was nothing like being informed he was going to make his first start on the road against the Broncos.

"Disbelief, I guess. I knew they'd get me right and I knew I would be put in a position where I could succeed, but I was a little surprised, for sure, but excited," Hamilton said as the Rams prepare to play Air Force on Saturday. "I felt like they would get me ready for what I had to do, and they knew my limitations. Confidence, at the start, wasn't quite there. As we kept going through and as they kept helping me it picked up. After that first snap, I felt, I belong here."

Hamilton had one offer out of high school, coming from the Colorado School of Mines. Best, new to the state, found him by happenstance in learning a new area.

If he passes a school, he likes to stop by and visit and talk to the coaches, get to know them and build a relationship. Next thing he knew, he was watching film.

"I had no idea he was there. Watched his film, loved his ability, I got to meet him, and I love his toughness and his ability to bend," Best said. "That got him in the program, but it just soars from there.
When I recruit O-linemen in general, I just recruit good O-linemen. We always develop centers, but I thought he had the ability after getting to know him and understand his intelligence."

Hamilton played guard as a freshman in high school, then played three years at left tackle. He'd never played center before coming to college, but in camp and during the season, Best had him playing at all five spots at one time or another.

No matter where Best put him, he put in effort. Best said Hamilton already prepares like an older player, which is a plus, as has been the influence of having Gray Davis and Jacob Gardner around as peer teachers.

From the first day, Best said Hamilton showed no fear – which is rare – and his ability to listen and learn, then put those new teachings into practice impressed his teammates.

"He tries. I always talk about implementing the technique you learn in the film room to the practice field, and it eventually translates to the game, but you can see that immediately with Keegan," Gardner said. "He obviously wasn't well versed with all of Coach Best's techniques, but he was adopting it really quick, implementing them and went with it too."

Hamilton knows having the two veterans around has helped him develop at a more rapid pace, and he's appreciative of what they're willing to share. Gardner's talks with him focus more on the mind, having also started as a true freshman and the pressure one feels with the task. Studying defenses and working on confidence are other key points.

All of it helps. Hamilton said he wasn't the biggest guy on his high school team, but he knew he stood out in the hallways of school. He knows he stands out to a new group this year – defensive coordinators -- for a new reason.

"I know when they get that scouting report and they see I'm a freshman they want to give some exotic looks, but you just have to go back to your base rules and settle down, and if you're confused the guys next to you will help you out," Hamilton said. "Gray and Jacob have been a big help. Jacob always keeps my mental right because he was in the same position as a freshman, and Gray is a really smart guy, and he knows a lot of what's going on and the feel from every position. If you mess up, he's going to let you know, but it's always from the side he wants you to get better because he knows you're good, so I really appreciate him."

The confidence is starting to come along with each progressive start. His end-game grades have improved, a solid measure for a young player they are improving. Reassurance from the coaches and teammates adds more.

What also feels good is seeing the gamble pay off. He wanted to prove to himself he could play at this level and walking on came with no assurances. Now he has one as he was informed over the weekend he was being put on scholarship by head coach Jay Norvell. It was earlier in the week it all had finally hit him.

"It took me a little bit. Sometimes you just have to stop and appreciate where you came from, and it's a little crazy sometimes," Hamilton said. "It feels good to be validated. Obviously, I'm not on my angle yet, so I can't relax. It feels great and I know my parents are very happy my bet paid off."

The now has been fun, and it makes looking at the future less intimidating. Where exactly Hamilton ends up along the line is still up in question, but he's taking all he can from playing center because he knows the lessons there will help him at every spot.

Just as the opportunity to practice all five spots helped prepare him for the starting role he never imagined.

"I'm interested to see. I think it's important from a football IQ sense to know what's going on at all spots, especially if you play center," Hamilton said. "I'm curious were I end up, but I know wherever they put me it's the right spot and I'll succeed there.

"The future does look a little bit brighter for sure."

If there's one lesson he's locked in with, it's to be prepared for anything.

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