Texas RB commit Keaontay Ingram expands on Stan Drayton, senior season goals

128 teams from around the state flooded into College Station over the weekend for the Adidas Texas 7on7 Championships. The vast majority the high school talents who attended are still in pursuit of collegiate offers or evaluating their options.

Carthage running back and Texas Longhorns commit Keaontay Ingram is among those who entered the weekend without the stress that comes with the recruiting process.

“It’s been relaxing,” Ingram told Burnt Orange Nation of what it’s been like since his May 30 commitment to the Longhorns. “I don’t have to stress anymore, but I’m still listening to what coaches have got to say. As of right now, I’m committed to The University of Texas.”

While Ingram did note that he’s still hearing what other programs have to say, such as Texas A&M and LSU, there’s little reason to believe the top-ranked running back in the state won’t be a Longhorn on National Signing Day.

For starters, no other program in the nation can offer what Texas can — Stan Drayton.

Arguably the most revered running backs coach in the sport, regardless of level, Drayton’s presence on the Forty Acres and the ability to learn under one of the best in the business is something Ingram said he needs going forward.

“Coach Drayton, I feel like he’s the real deal,” Ingram said. “I looked at it and he was the number one NFL coach and that’s something to look at, as well. He’s going to keep it real with you. He’s going to be 100 percent honest with you and that’s what I need to help me better myself. Having a coach like that get on your butt and going in and competing and earning your job every single day; I feel like that’s something I need.”

The latter is an equally important point in Ingram’s future. While positional depth, especially youthful depth, often plays a significant role in a player’s recruitment, Ingram said he welcomes the competition he’ll see against guys like Kyle Porter, Toneil Carter and Daniel Young.

“That’s something to look at,” Ingram said as if it’s something he’s looking forward to. “Playing with those guys and going in there and competing with those types of guys — high caliber guys — that’s going to make you better as well.”

“The say Coach Drayton is the real deal and he’s getting them right.”

By this point next year, Ingram expects to be getting right under the guidance of Drayton, too. In the meantime, he’s looking to earn another championship ring and pencil his name into the state’s record books.

“Win another state championship and do the best that I can for my team,” Ingram said of his senior season goals. “Whatever else happens, I have no control over that but just getting better every single day and not wasting reps. And I hope to bust the rushing record.”

As a junior, Ingram rushed for 2,225 yards and 31 touchdowns on 320 carries. He’s ranked as the nation’s No. 157 player, No. 6 running back and the No. 18 player in Texas, per 247Sports Composite.