By Steven Shaff, NAU Media Relations

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Junior Scott McKeever was off to good start in 2009. He had seven tackles in the first two games and was looking to have a big impact on the Northern Arizona University football team. Accustomed to doing the tackling from his linebacker position, McKeever was then tackled by life.

On Oct. 9, 2009, McKeever woke up in pain. Later that day it was detected as a cancerous growth. Football was suddenly not that important to the business and finance major from Wickenburg, Ariz. The 20-year old was now facing a different battle.

"It was a big shock of course," said McKeever of the cancer diagnosis. "I have always been healthy and in good shape. I was devastated because there was the chance that my life was in jeopardy. I would not be able to do the things I usually do. I have played football since I was 12 years old."

His life was put on hold – Football – School - Everything. Three days later he had surgery and he spent a month recovering. He went from studying for tests to takings tests, and lots of them. CT scans, blood tests, chest x-rays -- they were all done to make sure the cancer had not spread in his body.

The diagnosis…he did not have a trace.

"It is a big wake up call," said McKeever, who had a standout career at Wickenburg High School. "At 20 you think you are invincible and this cannot happen to me. It can. The biggest thing my family and friends told me was to stay positive. I have strong faith in God and that helped me a lot. Nothing is certain in this life."

He has had monthly checkups since the surgery and is cancer free. Back on the field, he is playing the best football of his career and on pace to graduate this spring and will pursue graduate school during his senior year.

After seeing action in backup role during his first three seasons, he is now a starter on a defensive unit that ranks among the top 15 in the Football Championship Subdivision in four categories, including rush defense (6th), total defense (8th), sacks (10th) and scoring defense (12th).

"Scott is getting better every game," said Defensive Coordinator Andy Thompson. "He is gaining experience every time he steps on the field. Last week he did a great job."

The 2010 Golden Eagle Scholar-Athlete recipient has started all four games, ranking among the top tacklers on the team with 18. He enters the Eastern Washington game coming off his best game as a Lumberjack last week against Southern Utah.

"I give God all the praise for allowing me to play this year and giving me a second chance," said McKeever, who originally planned to compete in track at Glendale CC. "I am dedicating my season to my faith in Jesus Christ. He blessed me a lot. I view this as one of the best things that has happened to me. It is shown me to focus on things in life that really matter and not get bent out of shape about the little things. Be thankful for the blessings you have and keep a positive attitude every day."

He had a game-high 11 tackles, including seven solos, with a 10-yard sack in the game against Southern Utah. He finished his breakout game by applying pressure on the final play on a blitz, hitting the Southern Utah quarterback Brad Sorensen as he threw an incomplete pass to seal the victory for the Lumberjacks.

"I am happy I played the way I did," said McKeever. "There are things I need to get better at. I put myself in a good spot most of the time and that is why I made as many plays as I did.  I was happy we got the win. I am glad and proud of the way our guys played and finished out that game and glad to do my part."

The wins make the hard work pay off. But the experience of the last year has changed McKeever's outlook. It is not lost on him that October is a major cancer awareness month and Saturday is the one-year anniversary of his diagnosis.

"Things happen for a reason," said McKeever. "There is no coincidence that it is on a Saturday. I am going to show how grateful I am to play this sport. Given a second chance to be able to play on this team and do what I love is really going to motivate me to play my hardest."

The game can be heard on the Lumberjack Radio Network on 105.1 FM in Flagstaff and on the internet at www.bigtalkerradio.com. The pregame show starts at 12:05 p.m. in Flagstaff with Mitch Strohman and Kevin Stephens calling the action from Cheney. Video is available on www.bigskytv.org.