Class of 2028 · Running Back · Safety · Linebacker
Starpoint High School · Pendleton, New York
"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard."
Two-way impact player. Elite work ethic. Ready now.
About Keanu
Keanu Z. Laughton is a versatile football athlete from Pendleton, New York, and a member of the Class of 2028 at Starpoint High School. Standing 5'9" and 170 pounds, Keanu plays Running Back, Safety, and Linebacker, bringing physicality, speed, and football IQ to both sides of the ball.
A dedicated three-sport athlete competing in football, basketball, and track, Keanu is known for his relentless training routine — often starting his day with 4:00 AM speed and strength training before school. His commitment has earned him 2nd Team All-League, All-Academic Team honors, and the Starpoint Football D.A.W.G Player of the Year award. Keanu believes strongly in leadership, discipline, and supporting those around him, both on and off the field.
Quick Facts
- Height: 5'9"
- Weight: 170 lbs
- Jersey: #4
- Sports: Football · Basketball · Track
- Class of 2028
- Pendleton, NY
- Intended Major: Business Administration
A Letter to College Coaches
To Any Coach Who Takes the Time to Read This,
My name is Keanu Laughton. I'm a sophomore at Starpoint High School in Pendleton, New York, and I play Running Back, Safety, and Linebacker. But before you look at my stats or my combine numbers, I want you to know who I am.
I wake up at 4:00 AM to train before school. Not because someone makes me — because I refuse to let anyone outwork me. I've been doing this since I was old enough to understand what it means to compete. Football isn't just something I do. It's how I'm built.
As a sophomore, I earned 2nd Team All-League honors, the D.A.W.G Player of the Year award, and All-Academic Team recognition. I play both ways — and I want to. I love the challenge of being the best player on both sides of the ball. My coach Jay Baumann said I became the standard everyone had to live up to. That's the only standard I know.
I'm not asking for a handout. I'm asking for an opportunity to prove that the work I've already put in is just the beginning. I intend to major in Business Administration, graduate on time, and represent your program with everything I have.
If you're looking for a player who will outwork your roster, elevate your culture, and compete for a starting role from day one — I'm your guy.
Thank you for your time.
— Keanu Z. Laughton | #4 | Starpoint High School | Class of 2028
What Coaches Say
"Keanu is the kind of player you build a program around. He shows up before anyone else, works harder than everyone, and makes the players around him better. His football IQ at the sophomore level is something you rarely see."
— Coach, Starpoint Varsity Football
"What separates Keanu is his willingness to play both ways without complaint. He's physical enough to carry the ball between the tackles and instinctive enough to make plays in coverage. He's going to be a special player."
— Defensive Coordinator, Starpoint High School
"Keanu is a relentless presence on our team. As a sophomore, he became the standard that everyone had to live up to. From the weightroom, to the classroom, to the field, he owns everything. His potential is endless and I'm excited to have a front row seat for his journey."
— Jay Baumann · Varsity Football Coach · Starpoint High School
Coaches and programs interested in evaluating Keanu are encouraged to reach out directly.
A Message From the Family
To Any Program Considering Keanu,
As his father, I've had a front-row seat to everything you see on this page — and everything that doesn't show up in the stats.
I've watched Keanu set his alarm for 4:00 AM and never once hit snooze. I've watched him come home from a tough loss, process it quietly, and be back in the gym the next morning. I've watched him encourage teammates who were struggling, lead by example without being asked, and hold himself to a standard that most adults haven't reached.
Keanu doesn't need to be pushed. He needs to be pointed in the right direction — and then get out of his way.
What you're getting with Keanu isn't just an athlete. You're getting a young man who will represent your program with integrity, show up every single day, and make the people around him better. That's not something we taught him. That's who he is.
We are fully committed to supporting his journey — academically, athletically, and personally. We look forward to finding the right program that sees what we see.
Thank you for your consideration.
— Eric Laughton, Keanu's Father
Athlete Profile
Position
Running Back
Safety
Linebacker
School
Starpoint High School
Pendleton, New York
Graduation: 2028
Build
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 170 lbs
Jersey: #4
Academics
All-Academic Team
Intended Major:
Business Administration
GPA: 3.7
Awards & Recognition
Keanu's honors reflect his commitment to performance on the field and excellence in the classroom.
2nd Team All-League
Varsity recognition for standout performance among top players in the league.
All-Academic Team
Honored for maintaining excellence in the classroom alongside athletic achievement.
D.A.W.G Player of the Year
Starpoint Football's highest honor, recognizing relentless effort and team leadership.
ECIC Student-Athlete Leadership Summit
"Leadership is not for everyone. It comes with added expectations and pressure... But pressure is a privilege."
Keanu Laughton was selected to represent Starpoint Football at the 2026 ECIC Student-Athlete Leadership Summit, hosted at Buffalo State University — one of the most prestigious leadership events for student-athletes in the region.
Being chosen for this summit reflects not just Keanu's on-field performance, but his character, maturity, and leadership presence that coaches and staff recognize beyond the game.
One of the few sophomores selected
Represented Starpoint Football
Hosted at Buffalo State University
Season Production
Carries
Total rushing attempts on varsity
Rushing Yards
Total yards gained on the ground
Yards Per Carry
Average gain per rushing attempt
Solo Tackles
Dominant presence stopping opposing offenses
Sacks
Quarterback takedowns behind the line of scrimmage
Interception
Ball-hawking instincts in pass coverage
Keanu is expected to step into a larger starting role at Running Back and Safety, while continuing to contribute as a rotational Linebacker moving forward.
Built Different
Most sophomores are still figuring out the game. Keanu is already doing things that most college players can't.
4AM Training Since Age 14
Keanu has been waking up before sunrise to train since freshman year. That's 2+ years of pre-dawn workouts before most athletes even start their day. The discipline gap is already enormous.
Two-Way Varsity Starter as a Sophomore
Less than 2% of high school sophomores start on both offense AND defense at the varsity level. Keanu does it every game — at Running Back AND Linebacker — without a drop in performance on either side.
Football IQ Beyond His Years
Keanu studies film after every practice. At 15, he can identify defensive formations pre-snap, anticipate blitz packages, and adjust his route or running lane in real time. Coaches describe it as 'senior instincts in a sophomore body.'
Multi-Sport Athlete in 3 Varsity Sports
Football, basketball, and track. Each sport sharpens a different athletic skill — explosiveness, court vision, and pure speed. Multi-sport athletes statistically have longer careers and lower injury rates. Keanu is building a complete athletic foundation.
This isn't potential. This is already happening.
Elite Athlete Profile
This is what college scouts see when they watch Keanu's film. Four traits that separate good players from great ones — and Keanu has all four at age 15.
First Step Quickness
Exceptional initial burst off the line of scrimmage. Consistently beats blocks before they can set. Translates directly to both his run-after-contact ability and his pass rush timing as a linebacker.
Contact Balance
Rare ability to absorb contact and keep his legs churning. Doesn't go down on first contact. This is a trait you cannot coach — it's instinctive and shows up on every carry.
Range at Safety
Covers sideline to sideline with urgency. Reads the quarterback's eyes and breaks on the ball early. His interception and pass breakups show anticipation, not reaction — a key distinction at the next level.
Leadership Presence
Visibly the most vocal and engaged player on the field. Teammates look to him in critical situations. Coaches note he holds himself and others accountable without being asked. This is a program-changer.
The ceiling hasn't been found yet.
Combine Performance
Keanu participated in the WNY High School Football Combine at the Buffalo Bills Fieldhouse on February 22, 2026, showcasing his athletic ability in front of coaches and evaluators.
The Numbers Don't Lie
40-Yard Dash
5.25 · 5.19 — best run recorded
20-Yard Shuttle
4.6 · 4.7 — best run recorded
Vertical Jump
30 · 30 — consistent explosive power (inches)
Broad Jump
95 · 98.5 — best jump recorded (inches)
CMJ Average
69.2 cm — avg of 3 jumps, measuring reactive lower-body power
Bench Press
185 lbs · 13 reps — elite upper-body strength for a sophomore
L-Drill
7.38 · 7.25 — best run recorded
Results recorded at the Buffalo Bills Fieldhouse · February 22, 2026 · WNY High School Football Combine
The Sophomore Standard
College coaches know what a D1 prospect looks like at 15. Here's how Keanu measures up — not to his peers at Starpoint, but to the national standard.
40-Yard Dash
D1 RB prospect target: sub-5.25 · Keanu: 5.19 ✅
Strength-to-Weight Ratio
D1 standard: bench own bodyweight · Keanu: 185 lbs at 170 lbs = 1.07x bodyweight ✅
Vertical Jump
D1 skill position target: 28"+ · Keanu: 30" ✅
Positional Versatility
D1 programs covet two-way players · Keanu starts at RB + LB every game ✅
NIL Readiness
Average D1 commit NIL score: 71 · Keanu as a sophomore: 82 ✅
Keanu isn't chasing the D1 standard. He's already past it — with two years of high school left.
D1 prospect benchmarks sourced from national recruiting evaluation frameworks for skill position players.
Built Through Discipline
The game is won before you ever step on the field. Here's what Keanu does when no one is watching.
Nutrition & Fueling
Keanu tracks his nutrition with the discipline of a college athlete. High-protein meals, proper hydration, and pre-workout fueling are non-negotiable. At 170 lbs, he maintains his weight while adding strength — a sign of elite dietary discipline.
Film Study
Every week, Keanu reviews his own game film AND opposing team film. He identifies tendencies, studies defensive alignments, and arrives at practice with a plan. His football IQ is a direct result of this habit.
Recovery Protocol
Ice baths, stretching routines, and sleep discipline are part of Keanu's weekly regimen. Recovery isn't rest — it's preparation. Staying healthy across three sports requires a systematic approach most athletes his age ignore.
Mental Preparation
Keanu visualizes game situations before they happen. Pre-game routines, focus rituals, and a consistent mindset under pressure are hallmarks of his approach. Coach Baumann notes he's 'the same player in practice as he is in the fourth quarter.'
The 4AM Standard
While most athletes are asleep, Keanu is already working. His daily routine isn't a schedule — it's a standard.
3:45 AM — Rise Before the World
While his teammates are still asleep, Keanu is already up. No alarm needed twice. No hesitation. The day starts at 3:45 — because that's what separates good from elite.
4:30 AM — Morning Strength Training
Before most people eat breakfast, Keanu is already deep into compound lifts — squats, deadlifts, explosive power work. 185 lb bench press at 170 lbs bodyweight. This is where the edge is built.
7:30 AM — School
All-Academic Team honoree. Keanu attacks the classroom with the same intensity as the weight room. Business Administration is the goal. Excellence isn't a sport — it's a lifestyle.
3:00 PM — Practice & Film Study
Varsity practice followed by film review. He doesn't just play the game — he studies it. Defensive alignments, tendencies, situational football. His IQ shows up on every snap.
6:00–8:00 PM — Team Strength Training
Back in the weight room. This time with his football team at school. Two-a-day lifting sessions aren't common at the high school level. Keanu does it anyway — because the standard doesn't lower after dark.
Evening — Recovery & Repeat
Stretching, nutrition, mental prep. Then sleep. Then 3:45 hits again. And he does it all over.
365 days. No off-season. The alarm goes off at 3:45 — and Keanu is already ready.
The Mindset
"I don't train to be the best on my team. I train to be the best on any field I step on." — Keanu Z. Laughton
Whether it's early morning workouts, time in the weight room, or extra skill training after practice, Keanu is committed to outworking everyone around him — every single day.
Tough
Physically and mentally built to compete at the highest level.
Caring
A teammate and leader who lifts others up on and off the field.
Positive
An uplifting presence who brings energy and purpose to every room.
Watch Keanu in Action
View Keanu's full highlight reel on Hudl — featuring varsity game footage showcasing his explosiveness, tackling ability, and playmaking on both sides of the ball.
Hudl Highlight Profile
Full varsity game film, individual play breakdowns, and season highlights available at:
hudl.com/profile/22672742/keanu-laughton
Film Breakdown
Keanu's film showcases his versatility and instincts on both sides of the ball, demonstrating his ability to impact the game in critical moments. Here are standout plays that define his dynamic game.
Explosive Cutback Run
A decisive cut through a closing gap, turning a short-yardage situation into a significant gain with burst and balance after contact.
Open-Field Tackle at Safety
Reading the quarterback's eyes pre-snap, breaking on the route, and delivering a sure open-field stop to prevent a big gain.
Blitz Package Sack
Timing a linebacker blitz perfectly off the edge, beating the block and bringing down the QB behind the line of scrimmage.
Pass Coverage Interception
Recognizing a route combination, undercutting the receiver, and securing the interception to flip field position.
Junior Season Outlook
Keanu is poised for a breakout junior season, stepping into a primary starting role at Running Back and Safety. Building on his impressive sophomore stats of 54 carries for 237 rushing yards (5.3 YPC), 40 solo tackles, 2 sacks, and an interception, he aims to cement his status as a dominant two-way impact player. His junior season goals include 500+ rushing yards, 5+ touchdowns, and 60+ tackles — benchmarks that would put him firmly on the radar of Division I programs. This season, Keanu is focused on elevating his game, leading his team, and attracting significant college attention.
Expand Role at Running Back
Increase carries and become the featured back, consistently breaking tackles and gaining crucial yards.
Lock Down Safety
Establish himself as a primary starter in the defensive backfield, utilizing his speed and football IQ for impactful plays.
Recruiting Visibility
Earn first-team honors and proactively attract collegiate interest through standout performance and leadership.
Recruiting Status
Recruiting Stage
Sophomore year complete, actively seeking Division I, II, and III interest heading into junior season, with strong foundational skills and a proven track record.
Camps & Combines
WNY High School Football Combine at Buffalo Bills Fieldhouse (Feb 2026); actively pursuing additional camp invitations to showcase speed and agility.
Schools of Interest
Open to all levels of collegiate football; prioritizing programs with strong Business Administration academics to support future career goals.
Contact for Recruiting
Coaches and programs may contact Keanu directly at KeanuLaughton@outlook.com or parent Eric Laughton at 716-949-6405 for inquiries and film access.
The Dream
Every great athlete has a vision. Keanu's is clear — compete at the highest level, earn his degree, and build something that lasts beyond football.
To Any D1 Program
I'm not waiting to be discovered. I'm building the profile, putting in the work, and making it impossible to overlook me. If you want a two-way player who will outwork your entire roster — I'm ready.
To Any Coach Who Watches My Film
You'll see a sophomore playing with senior instincts. You'll see someone who competes on every single play. That's not a highlight reel — that's every game, every practice, every rep.
To The Program That Takes a Chance
You won't regret it. I will be the best decision your program makes in the Class of 2028. I guarantee it with everything I've put into this game.
The offer is coming. The work is already done.
Goals & Ambitions
Keanu isn't just building a football career. He's building an empire. Football is the platform — what he does with it is the vision.
Launch a Business
Majoring in Business Administration, Keanu plans to launch his own brand or company before he graduates college. The NIL era has shown him that athletes who build businesses — not just followings — create lasting wealth.
Build a NIL Portfolio
Keanu's goal is to secure 3+ brand partnerships before his senior year of high school. Starting with local and regional brands, he plans to build a track record that attracts national attention by the time he reaches college.
Become a Voice for Young Athletes
Keanu wants to use his platform to mentor younger athletes in Western New York — showing kids from his community that discipline, academics, and athletics can all coexist at the highest level.
Leave a Legacy Bigger Than Football
When the game is over, Keanu wants to be remembered as someone who built something real — a business, a brand, a community impact. Football opens the door. What he builds next defines the legacy.
"I'm not chasing a moment. I'm building a career." — Keanu Z. Laughton
Camps & Events
Keanu has actively pursued evaluation opportunities to showcase his athleticism in front of coaches and scouts, continuously honing his skills and performing under pressure.
Winter 2026
Buffalo Bills Field House · 7-on-7 Invitational — Earned a prestigious spot as 1 of only 7 athletes selected from a vast pool of elite candidates. Keanu secured his place on merit, dominating in one of the region's most exclusive indoor facilities by displaying superior athleticism and an exceptional football IQ.
February 2026
WNY High School Football Combine · Buffalo Bills Fieldhouse — Recorded elite measurables including a 5.19 40-yard dash, 30" vertical, 185 lb bench press (13 reps), and 7.25 L-drill.
Summer 2025
7-on-7 Competition — Showcased pass-catching ability, route running, and defensive instincts in competitive tournament play.
Fall 2025
Varsity Sophomore Season — Earned 2nd Team All-League honors with 54 carries, 237 rushing yards, 40 solo tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 interception.
Ongoing
Camp & Combine Circuit — Actively seeking invitations to college camps, regional combines, and elite prospect events heading into junior year.
Coaches interested in evaluating Keanu are encouraged to reach out directly to schedule visits or extend camp invitations.
Follow Keanu's Journey
Stay connected with Keanu's training, game highlights, and athlete lifestyle content across social media.
Content includes training videos, game highlights, behind-the-scenes athlete lifestyle, strength training sessions, and community outreach.
NIL Partnership Opportunities
Keanu Z. Laughton represents the next generation of student-athletes who combine athletic performance, discipline, and positive community influence. Brands partnering with Keanu gain access to an authentic, high-character athlete with strong influence among youth and high school sports communities.
Ideal Brand Partners
- Athletic apparel and footwear
- Fitness and strength training brands
- Sports nutrition companies
- Local businesses and community organizations
- Youth sports development programs
- Technology and gaming brands
Activation Opportunities
- Sponsored social media posts
- Product promotion and reviews
- Athletic training content
- Community events and youth camps
- Brand ambassador partnerships
- Appearances and meet-and-greet events
Why Brands Partner With Keanu
Authentic Work Ethic
Keanu's 4 AM training sessions and relentless grind create genuine, compelling content that resonates with fitness and sports audiences.
Positive Personal Brand
A high-character athlete with leadership qualities and a reputation for positivity both on and off the field.
Youth Influence
Strong connection with student-athletes, youth sports communities, and local and regional football fans.
Consistent Development
Ongoing athletic development content provides brands with regular, authentic touchpoints throughout the season and off-season.
NIL Development — NexPhase NIL
Keanu is actively developing his Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities through NexPhase NIL, a platform designed to help student-athletes build their personal brand, prepare for NIL opportunities, and develop leadership beyond the field.
Through NexPhase NIL, Keanu is learning to build a professional athlete brand, understand NIL responsibilities, represent brands with professionalism, and create positive community influence. The program prepares athletes for their next phase in sports, business, and life.
NexPhase NIL Focus Areas
- Professional athlete branding
- Leadership and character development
- NIL opportunities and responsibilities
- Brand representation skills
- Community influence and outreach
NIL Readiness Score
Overall Score
Out of 100 · 2026
Sophomore Rank
Among evaluated athletes
Trajectory
Projected to climb junior year
An 82/100 NIL Readiness Score as a sophomore is elite. Most athletes don't reach this level until junior or senior year. Keanu is ahead of the curve.
Athletic Performance
Character & Leadership
Personal Brand
Academic Standing
Social Presence
Path to 90+ Score
Grow Social Following
Post consistently on TikTok and Instagram, engage with football communities, and document the training journey.
Secure First NIL Deal
Even a local or micro-brand partnership establishes credibility and demonstrates brand value.
Increase Academic Visibility
Share academic achievements publicly to strengthen the full student-athlete profile.
Score Tiers
What each score range means
0–59: Development
Always building NIL foundation
60–74: Emerging
Developing NIL potential
75–84: Market Ready
Positioned for NIL opportunities
85–94: Premium Prospect
High-value NIL athlete
95–100: Offer Ready
Elite NIL opportunity
Confidence Bands
What your verification score means
< 55: Low
55–69: Moderate
70–84: Strong
85–100: Verified
NIL Readiness Scores are evaluated by NexPhase NIL. Visit nexphasenil.com to learn more or enroll your athlete.
Contact & Recruiting Information
Recruiting Contact
Athlete Email:
KeanuLaughton@outlook.com
Parent / Guardian: Eric Laughton
Email: ericlaughton@outlook.com
Phone: 716-949-6405
NIL & Media Inquiries
For NIL partnerships, brand collaborations, media appearances, or recruiting correspondence, please reach out directly via email or phone.
© Keanu Z. Laughton | NIL Athlete Website · Class of 2028 · Starpoint High School · This website is intended for NIL opportunities, recruiting visibility, and athlete branding.
Keanu Z. Laughton