The Green Bay Packers have signed Keonte Schad, a defensive tackle from Oregon State and a Madison native, in time for their joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday. Schad was brought in to fill the gap left by Spencer Waege, who is sidelined with a concussion. The Packers cleared roster space for him on Wednesday.
In the 2023 USFL season with the New Orleans Breakers, Schad was highly productive, finishing second in the league with 7.5 sacks and recording nine tackles for losses. During the 2024 UFL season with the Houston Roughnecks, he accumulated a half-sack and two tackles for losses over ten starts. His impressive performance earned him a tryout and subsequent contract with the Packers.
Schad will have limited time to prove himself, as the Packers will face the Ravens in their preseason finale on Saturday. The team will need to trim their roster to 53 players by Tuesday.
Notable highlights from Schad’s career include his senior year at Oregon State, where he earned honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors in 2021 with 2.5 sacks, six tackles for losses, and 46 total tackles. Schad described himself before the 2022 draft as a player who brings passion, versatility, and high character to the field.
Prior to Oregon State, Schad played two seasons at Minnesota with no sacks and 2.5 tackles for losses. At Madison East High School, he had three sacks and 12 tackles for losses and played various positions including quarterback, offensive line, and outside linebacker.
While waiting for a professional opportunity, Schad worked as the multicultural service coordinator at Madison East, where he sought to inspire local youth and overcome adversity.
At the 2022 draft, Schad was measured at 6-foot-2 1/4 and 284 pounds, with a 4.92-second 40-yard dash and a Relative Athletic Score of 7.28.
Schad expressed his satisfaction with his volunteer work, noting that seeing the positive impact on children brings him joy. He joins the Packers for their final summer practice before focusing on their September 6 season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. Coach Matt LaFleur highlighted the value of competing against a top team like the Ravens to enhance their own performance.
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