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The secondary is shaping up to be less of a liability this year.
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HAMPTON — It had been a while — three years, eight months and 19 days, to be exact — since Breon Key had put on the helmet on game day. But it was just like riding a bike.
In his college football debut last August, at Old Dominion of all places, Key intercepted two passes. One came on fourth down in the red zone. Hampton University didn’t get the win, but Key’s afternoon reminded him that he hadn’t lost his touch.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t win the game,” said Key, who is back for his senior season with the Pirates. “But it was validation because their quarterback (Taylor Heinicke) was pretty good. I was excited. It was a surreal moment for me.”
Key always has been a playmaker. Anyone who watched him play for Phoebus, where he won two state championship rings, could tell you that.
But it was basketball that took him to Old Dominion in the fall of 2011. He played in 33 games as a freshman, averaging eight minutes and two points per night.
That summer, saying his “accountability” was not up to standard, then-ODU coach Blaine Taylor dismissed Key from the team. He transferred to HU but had to sit out the 2012-13 season.
In January 2014, Key joined HU’s basketball team. He became a major contributor by averaging 5.8 points per game and playing his usual shut-down defense.
Breon Key felt he was where he belonged.
“It’s lovely in Hampton,” Key said. “It’s almost night and day between Norfolk and Hampton. Hampton University is more private and more sacred. It feels more like home.”
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HAMPTON — It had been a while — three years, eight months and 19 days, to be exact — since Breon Key had put on the helmet on game day. But it was just like riding a bike.
In his college football debut last August, at Old Dominion of all places, Key intercepted two passes. One came on fourth down in the red zone. Hampton University didn’t get the win, but Key’s afternoon reminded him that he hadn’t lost his touch.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t win the game,” said Key, who is back for his senior season with the Pirates. “But it was validation because their quarterback (Taylor Heinicke) was pretty good. I was excited. It was a surreal moment for me.”
Key always has been a playmaker. Anyone who watched him play for Phoebus, where he won two state championship rings, could tell you that.
But it was basketball that took him to Old Dominion in the fall of 2011. He played in 33 games as a freshman, averaging eight minutes and two points per night.
That summer, saying his “accountability” was not up to standard, then-ODU coach Blaine Taylor dismissed Key from the team. He transferred to HU but had to sit out the 2012-13 season.
In January 2014, Key joined HU’s basketball team. He became a major contributor by averaging 5.8 points per game and playing his usual shut-down defense.
Breon Key felt he was where he belonged.
“It’s lovely in Hampton,” Key said. “It’s almost night and day between Norfolk and Hampton. Hampton University is more private and more sacred. It feels more like home.”
