Since gracing the Benilde-St. Margaret’s football field for the first time in 2010, Keaton Studsrud has set out to become one of the greatest quarterbacks in Red Knight history. And he has succeeded. Now a seasoned veteran, Studsrud, a senior captain, has matured into the undoubted leader of the Red Knights and come a long way since his days as a baby-faced freshman suiting up for sections.

Predicted to be one of the metro’s top players prior to the commencement of the season, Studsrud has lived up to the expectations and led the Red Knights to the 7th 3-0 start in school history and their first since 2007. Through four contests, Studsrud boasts over 1000 total yards (passing and rushing) to go along with 10 touchdown passes and five rushing touchdowns.

Studsrud possesses a plethora of different skills with his ability to throw the ball with accuracy and run the ball when needed. With Studsrud’s ability to escape the pocket and consistently pass for first downs, opposing defenses have to prepare for either the run or pass when facing the Red Knights. “You never know what he has up his sleeve. He will run for 20 yards and then on the next play he will attack the defensive backs with a 50 yard pass,” junior teammate Chris Philbin said.

Along with his athletic ability, Studsrud’s mental game sets him apart from the competition. “He is always thinking about how to improve and how he can get his game to the next level. He has a real passion to win and that always shows through during games,” said senior linebacker Mikey McGill.

Studsrud’s work ethic has proved to be contagious throughout the Red Knight’s roster, contributing to the early-season success. “He pushes everyone else to work harder. That is why we have so much success so far,” McGill said.

As the season approaches its midway mark, Studsrud has already picked up the WCCO Aspire Athlete of the Week award for his performance in the St. Louis Park game and the Star Tribune Athlete of the Week for his performance against Cooper. Against St. Louis Park, he went 9 for 9, throwing two touchdowns and running for another as he led the Red Knights to a 48-13 win. “It’s the team who got me there. I couldn’t have done it without the other ten players on the field and the line and receivers putting in hard work,” Studsrud said.

Studsrud also credits much of his stellar performances to his coaches who have been with him since he first stepped on the BSM field. “Coach Hanks does a great job, and he brings a lot of energy to the team, coach Krieger is smart and gets the offensive line going, and Sussner is a great play caller who helps me out a lot with the game,” Studsrud said.

With only a handful of games remaining in his senior year, Studsrud hopes to leave BSM on a good note by accomplishing the team’s goals for the season. “A few of the team goals would be making it to state, which is probably number one. Winning our conference is [another] big team goal,” Studsrud said.

Studsrud’s efforts have produced multiple offers from college football programs. The latest has come from the University of North Dakota, a division one team. His playing style, intelligence and athleticism is inspiring not only coaches from around the US, but his teammates as well. “He leads by example, he goes out there and makes everyone around him want to excel like he does. The best part of all is that he isn’t arrogant or anything, he acknowledges everyone after making a nice play and never forgets to give credit where it is due,” junior linebacker Jay Weber said.