Devon Key

Early life and education

Devon Key was born on October 28, 1997, in Lexington, Kentucky. He attended Bryan Station High School, playing on offense and defense. He was rated a two-star prospect by Rivals.com, 247sports.com, and Scout.com. Following his senior year of high school Key accepted a scholarship offer from Western Kentucky University, spending his first year of 2016 as a redshirt.

As a redshirt-freshman the following year, Key was starting safety to begin the season, making 94 tackles (44 solo, 50 assisted) to rank second on his team and 16th in the conference. He recorded at least nine tackles in five different games. He made his first-career interception in the end zone on November 11 at Marshall. He had a career-high 12 tackles on September 9 at Illinois.

He started all 12 games as a sophomore, compiling 71 tackles to lead the team's defensive backs. He also recorded a team-leading three interceptions. His first interception, against Maine, was returned for a 45-yard touchdown. Key also made interceptions during the final two season games. Following the season he was named All-Conference USA honorable mention.

Key started 13 games as a junior, making 93 tackles, third on the team. He recorded his second career interception return touchdown against Arkansas in November. He again was named All-Conference USA honorable mention. He again started every game during his senior season, breaking the FBS-era team record for career tackles, with 350. He finished the year with 92 tackles, one less than the previous year. He was named second-team All-Conference USA following the season.

Personal life

Key's father, Donte, played for the University of Kentucky. His younger brother, Dane, formerly played as a wide receiver at the University of Kentucky and also currently plays for the Broncos. Key and his girlfriend had a son in August 2020 and they have since had another child.