When the Green Bay Packers and Ravens played their combined preseason practice and game, the defensive line was a little thin.
DT Keonte Schad (60), a new addition to the Packers, works out during the Arizona Cardinals rookie minicamp in 2022. For USA TODAY Sports, Joe Camporeale
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In preparation for their joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, the Green Bay Packers signed Madison native Keonte Schad.
Oregon State’s Schad is a defensive tackle. With Spencer Waege sidelined due to a concussion, the Packers are down a man. On Wednesday, they made room on the roster.
He recorded nine tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in 2023 while playing for the USFL’s New Orleans Breakers, ranking second in the league. In ten starts in 2024, he recorded a half-sack and two TFLs with the Houston Roughnecks of the UFL.
His performance won him a contract and a tryout with the Packers.
There won’t be much time for him to leave his imprint. The Packers and Ravens will square off in the preseason finale on Saturday. The Packers will practice against the Ravens on Thursday. The Packers will reduce their roster to 53 players on Tuesday, a couple days later.
His stats as a senior at Oregon State included 2.5 sacks, six tackles for losses, and 46 total tackles, earning him honourable mention all-Pac-12 in 2021.
Before the 2022 draft, he said to the Draft Diamonds, “I bring that swag and grit to the field that teammates love to be a part of.” “Someone with a motor, someone with a good character, and versatility in the game.” A guy with an intense interest in the game of football.
He played two seasons at Minnesota with zero sacks and 2.5 TFLs before coming to Oregon State.
Throughout his tenure at Madison East High School, he played quarterback, offensive line, and outside linebacker. He also recorded three sacks and twelve tackles for losses.
Schad was employed at Madison East as the multicultural services coordinator while he awaited a chance to play professional football.
“This journey has been about going through all the adversity that comes with being a real Northsider,” he said to Madison’s Channel 3000. “I strive to provide a good example for the youth, and not too many people make it out of here.” I make an effort to convey to them that they can accomplish the task from here.
Schad weighed 284 pounds and stood 6-foot-2 1/4 before the 2022 draft. He had a 7.28 relative athletic score (4.92 in the 40).
In a recent interview with EAMG Sports, Schad remarked of his charity work, “It means the most when you observe the difference you’re making.” “You get that feeling of excitement when the kids tell you how much fun they’re having or simply say thank you for spending time with them.”
Schad travels to Green Bay for the summer’s final open practice. The team’s emphasis will shift to the September 6 opener against the Philadelphia Eagles following practice and the game on Saturday.
Before practice, coach Matt LaFleur remarked, “I believe that’s what we’ve been doing this whole time: you’re ratcheting up the intensity and, definitely, it’s always fantastic to go against a competitive club like the Baltimore Ravens, one of the elite teams in the National Football League.”
“You want to aspire to play like a club that has few weaknesses in their roster and whose style of play is evident when you watch the tape.” I therefore have a great deal of respect for what they’ve accomplished there, and our goal is to improve today while competing with them.
