In high school Sam Keller and Kyle Wright were star quarterbacks for San Ramon Valley High School and Monte Vista High. Both of them are 6 foot 4 inches, 200-plus pounds and, in classic Wolves-Mustang football duels, put on aerial displays that rivaled watching the Blue Angels. Fans remember the “big” game in December 2002 as one of the best ever. Both quarterbacks generated over 400 yards of offense throwing for five touchdowns each.
As a result of their star quality, they both received many accolades. Wright received the Gatorade National High School Football Player of the Year award, which recognizes athletic achievement, overall character and academic achievement. His coach Craig Bergman described him as a “once in a lifetime player.” Keller was rated as one of the top prep recruits in the nation, throwing for an amazing 7,388 yards and 80 touchdowns in his prep career.
After graduation Wright went south to the University of Miami to begin his college career. Keller stayed in the west and accepted a scholarship to Arizona State University.
This year both players will lead their college teams as starting quarterbacks. Miami is rated No. 8 in the nation, and Arizona State is rated 18 in the pre-season college rankings.
Keller took over for All American Andrew Walter who was injured before last year’s 2004 Vitalis Sun Bowl and led the Sun Devils to victory with a last minute winning touchdown pass. This year Keller will be one of the nation’s hottest quarterbacks throwing to All-Americans-to-be Derek Hagan and Zach Miller. His “big” game this year will be Oct. 1 against top rated University of Southern California.
Wright will have a chance to throw lots of touchdown passes also, as Miami has one of the best defenses in the country. With Wright at the helm the offense will be explosive and is favored to win the competitive ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference). Its “big” game will be Nov. 5 against Virginia Tech.
