Malvern Prep’s Keith Maguire is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week

The junior 6-2, 215-pound linebacker/wide receiver was named the Inter-Ac’s Most Valuable Football Player this fall, leading the Inter-Ac champions with tough linebacking play and a team-leading three interceptions, grabbing 19 passes for 278 yards and five touchdowns. He is projected to play linebacker in college, and has scholarship offers from Baylor, Duke, Syracuse, and West Virginia, among other schools.

Q. What is your most vivid memory of Malvern’s final victory of the season, which clinched the Inter-Ac championship? Can you share it with us?

A: My most vivid memory was probably when all the seniors were in. It was a great moment seeing all the guys who started playing together back in freshman year, finish their high school careers together.

Q: What do you think is the strongest aspect of your game?

A: My strongest aspect is probably my instincts and vision. Being able to see the field and weave through blockers helps me make the big plays we need. Also being able to trust my instincts allows me to get off the ball fast and attack it.

Q. Have you always played linebacker? What originally attracted you to the linebacking position?

A: Yes, I have played linebacker since I was 7. I just loved being able to lead the defense and be a part of every play. It was a position where I could have ton of fun without even getting the ball.

Q: What did it mean to you to be selected as Inter-Ac MVP?

A: Being named MVP meant a lot. It was an awesome feeling when all the hard work you put in during the off-season finally pays off. It was definitely an honor to receive this award.

Q.  You wear No. 4 for Malvern Prep. Is there a reason that you picked that number – does it have any significance to you?

A: Wearing No. 4 does have some meaning. When I first started playing it was the first number I got. From then on it I just stuck with it, and it’s become a pretty special number to me.

Q. Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.

A: Pre-game is definitely a time where I like to be alone. I like to listen to my music and get ready to go play. Then once i’m on the field, I’ll start having some fun with my teammates.  

Q. Who have been your biggest mentors as a football player, and what was the most important thing you learned from each one?

A: My biggest mentors are probably my Dad and my coaches, especially my coach/trainer Justin Golden. My dad has been there for me my whole life and pretty much taught me how to play when I was younger. He helped me learn the game and become the player I am today. Justin has been my trainer and coach since freshman year and taught me how to become the linebacker I am right now. He prepared me to play and always had a vision for me. I definitely owe a lot of my success to him.

Fun facts – Keith Maguire

Favorite football player: “My favorite football player is probably Luke Kuechly. I love the way he plays and how he leads a defense. He is one of those players where every time I watch him, I learn something new.”

Favorite pre game song: Wins and Losses, by Meek Mill.

Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.

Siblings: older sister Quinn, younger brother Ryan, younger twin sisters Kyra and Aly.

(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)