Heyward Tabbed to Coach the Secondary at UofL
January 14, 2016 | Football
Heyward named to the staff after two seasons at USC
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Keith Heyward, who is widely considered one of the top recruiters in the nation, has been hired by University of Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino to coach the secondary.
Heyward, who owns 11 seasons at collegiate coaching experience, joins the UofL staff after two seasons at USC (2014-15) as the defensive backs and pass game coordinator for the Trojans.
In guiding the Trojans to the Pac-12 Championship game and a trip to the Holiday Bowl in 2015, Heyward helped cornerback Iman Marshall earn first-team Freshman All-American honors, while cornerback-wide receiver-returner Adoree' Jackson was a Hornung Award finalist and an All-Pac-12 first team performer at defensive back and second teamer as a return specialist.
"We are excited to add Keith Heyward to our staff," Petrino said. "He's an excellent teacher and technician. He understands our schemes and will be a great addition to the staff. He has displayed an ability to be a tremendous leader of young men and is an excellent recruiter."
"Coach Petrino is recognized as a tremendous coach, "Heyward said. "This is an excellent program with an experienced team returning next season and I'm looking forward coaching this veteran group. This is a great opportunity for me to help this program win an ACC Championship."
In 2014, Heyward tutored safety-outside linebacker Su'a Cravens to Sophomore All-American first team accolades and an All-Pac-12 first team, selection. Cornerback-wide receiver-returner Adoree' Jackson was a Freshman All-American first teamer, while cornerback-safety Josh Shaw was a fourth round NFL draftee.
Prior to his time with the Trojans, Heyward was Washington's secondary coach the previous two seasons (2012-13), guiding UW's pass defense to a No. 23 ranking in pass defense during the 2012 season. He coached safety Sean Parker, who had 11 career interceptions, and was instrumental in leading the the Huskies to 2012 Las Vegas Bowl and 2013 Fight Hunger Bowl (he did not coach in the Fight Hunger Bowl).
Before his short stint with Washington, Heyward was the secondary coach for four seasons (2008-11) at Oregon State, who played in the 2008 Sun Bowl and the 2009 Las Vegas Bowl. He coached future NFL players Brandon Hughes, Keenan Lewis, Brandon Hardin, Al Afalava, James Dockery and Suaesi Tuimaunei.
Heyward was the linebackers coach at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2007 after serving as a graduate assistant at Oregon State for two seasons (2005-06), working with the cornerbacks the first season and the next with the defensive line when the Beavers played in the Sun Bowl.
Heyward, who earned a bachelor's degree in communications, was a four-year (1997-2000) cornerback at Oregon State, earning All-Pac-10 honorable mention as a senior and ended his career with a string of 35 consecutive starts. Following his senior campaign, he played in the 2001 Fiesta Bowl, and was selected to play in the Hula Bowl.
After his collegiate career, Heyward, who prepped at Taft High in Woodland Hills, Calif., played professionally for the BC Lions in the CFL (2001), the Scottish Claymores in NFL Europe (2002) and the L.A. Avengers in the Arena League (2004).
He and his wife, Cameo, have two daughters, Kendyl, 3 and Kamryn, 1.
HEYWARD SNAPSHOT
BIRTHDAY: February 2, 1979
FAMILY: Wife, Cameo; Daughters, Kendyl, 3, Kamryn 1
HIGH SCHOOL: Taft HS, Woodland Hills, Calif.
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree, communications, Oregon State, 2002
PLAYING EXPERIENCE: Taft HS, Woodland Hills, Calif.
Oregon State, cornerback, 1997-2000
BC Lions, defensive back, 2001
Scottish Claymores, defensive back, 2002
Los Angeles Avengers, cornerback, 2004
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