Green Bay Packers: Clark Says Keke will be a “Huge Part of the Plan”

In a Zoom call with reporters, Kenny Clark mentioned that Kingsley Keke was going to be a “huge part of the plan” this season for the Green Bay Packers.

After giving up 285 rushing yards to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship and allowing the 10th most rushing yards per game in 2019, to the chagrin of many, the Green Bay Packers have essentially the same interior defensive line unit this year as they did last. This means that internal development is going to be vital to their success.

One player in particular who is expected to play a much more significant role is Kingsley Keke. During his rookie season, Keke was used sparingly as he saw just 107 total defensive snaps and totaled nine tackles, five run stops, and one quarterback pressure according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

However, while there weren’t many in-game reps for Keke in 2019, he was still able to flash when given the opportunity. His one pressure came against Dallas and was the result of an impressive individual pass-rush.

Meanwhile, in the NFC Championship Game, he was able to make some plays against the run during the second half and considering that Keke was known more as a pass-rusher coming out of Texas A&M, defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery mentioned that he was a little shocked at how well Keke defended the run.

So as we look ahead to the 2020 season, the Green Bay Packers are going to really benefit from a Year 2 leap from Keke, and when Kenny Clark was asked about the second-year player in a recent Zoom call with reporters, he certainly sees the upside:

"“A guy that has a lot of potential,” Clark said during a Zoom call with reporters on Monday. “I think he has a lot of potential to be a great rusher too. Not only can he stop the run but he can be a really good rusher. He’s really athletic. Has a lot of ability.”"

However, for this unit to do a true 180-degree turn, it’s going to take more than just Keke stepping up. Dean Lowry will have to bounce-back, Tyler Lancaster will have to be more impactful, and Montravius Adams will have to find success as well.

Clark recognizes this and didn’t want to hype up only Keke, but he does understand that he is going to be a key cog in the middle of this defensive line moving forward:

"“I’m not going to sit here and hype him up and stuff, but I want all the guys to come in and be ready to work and do their part and just make the defensive line better,” Clark said. “I think Keke is going to be a huge part of the plan of doing that.”"

Heading into training camp and the new season, the interior defensive line is one of the big question marks surrounding this team. While many are still holding out hope that Brian Gutekunst will bring in Snacks Harrison, as of now, it appears that they are rolling with the same personnel – and potentially Treyvon Hester – in 2020.

And that means more Kingsley Keke this season, who by all accounts, is certainly ready for the increased role with the Green Bay Packers.

Kenny Clark Quotes courtesy of Packers Wire