Ex-PU linebacker now an NFL fullback
By Justin Feil, Assistant Sports Editor
Zak Keasey was a two-time first-team All-Ivy League linebacker at Princeton University.
He will make his first NFL start at fullback for the San Francisco 49ers when they host Arizona 4:15 Sunday.
”I’m looking forward to getting the regular season kicked off,” Keasey said. “I’m feeling confident and well prepared.”
Keasey is in his second season with the 49ers. After spending 2006 on their practice squad, he was activated for 13 games last season and played mostly special teams. He was fourth on the team in special teams tackles. He carried the ball just twice for four yards, against Pittsburgh in a September meeting. This year he is starting for San Francisco as the only fullback they kept on their 53-man opening day roster.
”I get to take on a little more responsibility,” Keasey said. “Even though I only played special teams last year, we all considered ourselves starters. That’s an important part of the game. There’s added responsibility (on offense) and it’s something I’ve been working toward. I’m looking forward to getting out there and executing and helping them out.”
It won’t be on the defensive side of the ball, as Princeton fans grew accustomed to in three remarkable seasons. Keasey led the Tigers in tackles in his sophomore and junior seasons. As a senior, he recorded 127 tackles, eight sacks, two interceptions and a fumble recovery. He was the Poe-Kazmaier Award winner, Princeton’s top football honor, and a first-team All-Ivy linebacker. Now he is a fullback.
”Mainly, instead of having the ball in front of you, the ball is behind you,” Keasey said. “You’re having to take on an opponent from a different side of the ball.”
It’s the biggest change for Keasey, who has maintained his dreadlocks look he sported senior year at Princeton. The 49ers converted Keasey from linebacker, where he had played one game for the Washington Redskins, to fullback in 2005 after the Redskins cut him. Keasey spent 2005 and 2006 learning the fullback position he last played as a senior at Lake Orion (Mich.) High. Keasey doesn’t recall any talk from Princeton coaches about using him on offense for the Tigers.
”When I came to San Francisco, I knew I was making the transition,” he said. “It was a challenge and something that intrigued me. I’ve had the last couple years to work on it. I’m still getting comfortable with it and trying to improve.”
Keasey will be operating in a new San Francisco offense that is engineered by new coordinator Mike Martz, who is known for his high-powered attacks. Keasey likes his role in the new offense.
”I’m excited about it,” Keasey said. “It entails a lot of detail and execution. I have to be able to run-block and pass-block and carry the ball and catch the ball. It’s a lot of versatility. It’s something I’m excited about.”
In four pre-season games, Keasey rushed eight times for 27 yards and caught two balls for 12 yards. He beat out incumbent Moran Norris for the fullback spot, in part according to reports, because of Keasey’s speed. Keasey also ran track at Lake Orion. Norris was among the final cuts.
”I tried to go out every day and compete to the best of my ability and get better every day and let the chips fall where they may,” Keasey said. “I always like to stay on my toes and never try to get too confident. It’s been an up and down NFL career so far. It helps. It keeps me working harder. I make sure I leave everything out on the field so no matter what happens, I have no regrets. I’m not sure what it was that tipped the tide in my favor.”
It certainly didn’t hurt that Keasey will remain on all four special teams this season. He is looking forward to both jobs — on special teams and on the offense.
”Special teams is always something that’s excited me,” Keasey said. “It’s one play to go out there and it’s usually a full field sprint and you get a chance to hit somebody and tackle somebody. That’s exciting to be a part of that. You’re trying to get the best field position possible for the offense or defense.
”Playing on offense provides a lot of different opportunities. You have a chance to block and get the ball.”
Keasey never doubted that his chance would come. He wasn’t drafted out of Princeton, but made the Redskins as a free agent. He had a short-lived career with Washington, and then spent the better part of two years on San Francisco’s practice squad. He never gave up his pursuit of an NFL starting job.
”It’s mainly hard work and determination and being prepared when your number is called and staying on top of the playbook,” Keasey said. “You have to know what’s going on every week and not get discouraged. You have to keep working to attain your goals.
”I was always confident,” he added. “I knew I’d get a chance if I continued to work hard.”
It’s the same attitude that he has had since going undrafted. He is proving his doubters wrong. Keasey gets as close to the Princeton area as the Meadowlands when the 49ers visit the Giants on Oct. 19. Keasey will be in a far different role than the one Tigers fans and coaches recall, and he is looking forward to returning to the area where he first showed NFL potential while playing for the Orange and Black.
”I don’t think it hurt me at all,” Keasey said. “You don’t get as much exposure as maybe a Big Ten guy playing at one of their schools. I knew I’d still have opportunity to go to the next level. I had the chance to play for some great coaches. It’s all culminated in where I am today and what kind of player I am. It’s all worked out just fine.”

