College of the Sequoias

"Coach Raven Keene is one of the most honest and knowledgeable defensive coordinators I’ve had the privilege to learn from. He understands the game at a high level and communicates it in a way that players can connect with. He’s straightforward, detailed, and always holds his defense accountable, earning respect by being both fair and demanding. His style is built on preparation and adaptability. Coach Keene knows every angle of defensive football—the ins and outs of fronts, coverages, and pressure packages—and has a unique ability to take complex concepts and make them simple and actionable for his players. He provides clear breakdowns of opposing offenses, pointing out tendencies and weaknesses, and ensures his defense understands exactly how to attack them. What stands out is his depth of planning—there’s always a Plan A, B, and C. He makes sure the defense practices every possible scenario so that nothing on game day ever feels unfamiliar. Under Coach Keene’s leadership, the defensive culture is built on discipline, confidence, and trust. Players know he’s done the work to prepare for every situation, and they buy in because his teaching makes the game make sense. The defense plays fast because there’s no confusion—everyone knows their assignment, the purpose behind it, and how it ties into the bigger scheme. His honesty builds trust, his knowledge inspires confidence, and his thoroughness creates a culture where the defense is always prepared and never surprised."

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