RISING STAR WATCH: JOSHUA KEITH

Joshua Keith provided some explosive plays for Etiwanda High this past season. He just may be one of the best kept secrets in the Inland Empire (photo contributed). 

There wasn’t much highlights for Etiwanda High football this season, as the Eagles fell to 3-7 this past year including a 1-4 mark in the Baseline League.

But the best highlight on 13500 Victoria Ave. wore No. 13 and blazed through secondaries.

Joshua Keith got fans jumping out of their seats and defensive coordinators chastising their defensive backs - by putting together a solid senior campaign that saw the 6-foot, 185-pound Keith blow past defenses with his reported 4.4 40-yard dash time.

Could this be one of the best sleepers in the talent-heavy Inland Empire? Time to weigh in:

WHAT TO LIKE: He has an explosive get-off after the ball is snapped and is already in front of his defender in three seconds. Once he gets past an aggressive man defender, he shows a wicked second gear with his speed that gets him to stretch receiving plays 20 to 50 yards down the field. Doesn’t jog when he runs his routes and goes full speed. Has caught passes with two or three defenders surrounding him, then zig zags his way to the end zone. Shows good concentration when defenders are making contact with him and fighting for the ball. Has adjusted very nicely to the deep passes that requires him stepping in front of his defender and attempt a diving catch. One of the best in the I.E. at executing the stop-and-go route.

WHAT TO BUILD ON: Most of his biggest receptions came against defenders playing off of him instead of press man situations. Will need to see more of his ability to fight off jams at the line of scrimmage. Even though he’s a willing run blocker, he was seldom seen planting his shoulders and burying his opponent to the turf.

OVERALL: With 38 catches, 557 yards and five touchdowns in eight games, Keith rarely was given the football at Etiwanda. It’s too bad considering how much of a playmaker he was for the Eagles. Still, he has enough tools to perhaps get on board with an NCAA Division II program or maybe a Football Championship Subdivision school.