Keith Heyward is in his fourth year as a full-time assistant coach at OregonState, but has been associated with the university at times since 1997.
Heyward, a postseason honors recipient as a defensive back at Oregon State, assisted cornerback James Dockery earn Pac-10 Honorable Mention during the 2010 season after being among league leaders for interceptions (4).Dockery went on to play in the inaugural Eastham College All-Star Game in Arizona following the season.
His 2009 cornerbacks were one of the youngest groups in the nation after graduating a pair of NFL draftees from the 2008 season.In the '08 season Keenan Lewis and Brandon Hughes were drafted by Pittsburgh and San Diego, respectively, earned Pac-10 Conference honors and played in postseason all-star games.His backfield helped the Beavers' pass defense rank third in the Pac-10.
Heyward came to OSU after spending the 2007 season as the inside linebackers coach at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo.He helped the Mustangs finish first in the Great Western Conference for rush defense and third for total defense.
Prior to his one season at Cal Poly, he served as the graduate assistant coach for defense at OregonState for the 2005 and 2006 seasons, where he assisted in the development of two current NFL players (Keith Ellison & Sabby Piscitelli).During that span the Beaver defense ranked first in the Pac-10 Conference against the run, for quarterback sacks and tackles-for-loss yardage.The '06 team produced a 10-4 record, including ending USC's 27-game league winning streak and defeating Missouri in the Sun Bowl.
He is considered one of the best cornerbacks to ever play at OregonState, starting 35 consecutive games and lettering four seasons (1997-2000).He played a pivotal part in the rebirth of Beaver football and was on the school's most successful team as a senior, defeating Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl and ending the year No. 4 in the country with an 11-1 record.
Heyward was a 2000 Pac-10 Conference Honorable Mention selection and in 1997 Riley named him Rookie of the Year.For his career he made 88 tackles, 23 pass breakups and notched five interceptions.
Heyward is a 2002 OSU graduate in communications.Following his college playing career he was on the professional rosters of the British Columbia Lions, Scottish Claymores and Los Angeles Avengers.He also participated in the preseason camps of the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks.In addition, Heyward also has been employed in the private sector.
He is a graduate of TaftHigh School in Woodland Hills, Calif.
HEYWARD PROFILE
Assignment: SecondaryRecruiting Area: Los Angeles Metropolitan Area Year at OSU:3rd (full-time) Age:30 Hometown:Woodland Hills, Calif.Education: Bachelor's in communication from OregonState; TaftHigh School (California)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Oregon State, 2008-present (CBs); Cal Poly-SLO, 2007 (ILBs); Oregon State, 2005-06 (G.A. Defense); British Columbia Lions (player); Scottish Claymores (player); Los Angeles Avengers (player); Automobile Sales
OSU HIGHLIGHTS
2010 James Dockery - HM All-Pac-10; Brandin Hardin - Pac-10 Academic Team 2009 Cameron Collins - 1st Team Pac-10 Academic 2008 Pass Defense (180.9) - 3rd in Pac-10; Brandon Hughes (CB) - 2nd team All-Pac-10/East-West Game; Keenan Lewis (CB) - HM All-Pac-10/Senior Bowl -- Lewis (Steelers) and Hughes (Chargers) were Drafted; Sun Bowl champions
