Dustin Keller - Early Years

Early Years

He played high school football at Jefferson High School in Lafayette, Indiana. While at Jefferson, Dustin was a three sport standout in football, basketball, and track. During his senior year at Lafayette Jefferson High School he was the state's leading wide receiver in football with 114 Receptions in 2002, was second team All-State as a small forward in basketball, and he was the high jump state champion in Indiana, clearing 6'9" in a steady rain after coming second to Philadelphia 76er's Rodney Carney with a jump of 6'10". Keller was named one of top 50 receivers in nation by Street & Smith's and first team all-state as senior after setting state records with 113 receptions and 1,804 yards (16.0 average) with 22 touchdowns. He was a finalist for Mr. Football.

Keller was expected to sign with the University of Toledo and had actually verbally committed. Purdue's then-head coach Joe Tiller went to Keller's high school to attain Keller's cell phone number. Tiller called Keller shortly after and scheduled a meeting in Tiller's office. Tiller offered Purdue's last scholarship. Being Dustin's hometown school, Keller chose Purdue over Toledo.

During his freshman year at Purdue, Keller red-shirted and switched from wide receiver to tight end. After a year of watching, learning, and getting stronger, Dustin began to display his strength and athleticism. After two touchdowns in his redshirt freshman year, including a game-winning touchdown against powerhouse Ohio State, Keller earned the full-time starting job in his redshirt sophomore year. Keller's production increased each season. So much so, that his senior season at Purdue he was voted Most Valuable Offensive Player in the Motor City Bowl. In addition, his teammates voted him Purdue's Most Valuable Player that same season.