Keys is an electric playmaker for the Stags, leading the receiving corps last season and showing no signs of slowing down. Look for him to elevate his game even further this year. Keys runs crisp deep routes, expertly stemming and stacking defensive backs to create separation. His top-end speed is elite, capable of taking the top off a defense, turning a simple screen into a touchdown, or flipping the field with a game-changing punt return. He’s a threat to score every time he touches the ball.

Keys is a game-breaking talent whose explosive playmaking ability sets him apart as one of the most dangerous offensive threats in the nation (sorry, saying the state would not do any justice to his talent). He has elite-level speed, sudden acceleration, and high-end route running. Keys is a versatile weapon that can line up outside and in the slot. His ability to manipulate defensive backs (as shown in his highlights)—whether by forcing speed turns, selling double moves, or freezing safeties in space—shows how advanced his route-running is.

Keys is not only a deep threat who can burn defenders for long touchdowns, but also excels in short-yardage situations. His quick-twitch agility helps him make defenders miss in open space with ease. Once Keys gets the ball in his hands, he becomes a blur. His highlights show him turning short passes into long-scoring plays. Keys’ burst off the line, and stop-start quickness are elite, making him a matchup nightmare. Add in his special team’s impact, and he’s the player defenses have to game-plan around. Of course, he’s not the biggest target. However, his talent and production against top-tier talent trump all that and make it a non-factor.

I’ve watched Lavar plenty of times over the years and he still seems to take his game to another level each time I see him live. In contention for MVP of the whole weekend, Lavar made play after play for Team Octane. Showing of his burst and wiggle, Lavar has great start-stop ability in tight spaces. Able to decelerate and create space for himself before getting back up to top speed to run past defenses. He was making the opposition look silly trying to get a hand on him during the weekend. Penn State is getting a true baller in Lavar.

Lavar is a player I’ve seen since his freshman year at DeMatha, and he had been balling out ever since. While he made his commitment to Penn State back in August, that didn’t stop him from having a huge 2024 year which lead to him moving up over ten spots, securing himself as one of the top WRs and a top 15 player in the rankings.

What impressed me most this season about Lavar’s game is that he has developed into being an excellent all around WR. While he has legit track speed and excellent twitch/agility, he had put in the work, improved he route running, and added all the little subtle things that make him elite at his position. Lavar is a weapon lined up both outside or in the slot. Is a playmaker across all 3 levels of the passing game and with excellent burst/acceleration he is a threat to score every time he touches it. Lavar has quick feet, great hips and stems his routes well, sticking his foot in the ground and exploding out of breaks. This allows him to get great separation by getting defenders to open up their hips, get on their heels and off balance. Lavar also shows soft hands and a big catch radius, good leaper and overall athleticism.

I see Mr. Keys having another excellent season next fall and I expect him to be an impact player for Penn State in the future.