The path for a 5-star recruit isn't always easy, and Keon Keeley has learned that at Alabama thus far. One of the highest-rated recruits for the Crimson Tide since 2000 has barely played since joining the team in 2023.
On Wednesday, Alabama defensive line coach Freddie Roach was asked about Keeley's progress, and he revealed information about his development.
Alabama Coach Gives Update on Former 5-Star Recruit
"He's gotten better," Roach said. "It's a commitment from him, and he's done that. We're just gonna continue to make him a better player. That's what it is. If he's focused on doing that, and nothing else, he'll be fine.
I'm proud of Keon from where he's come from, and where he is now, but he's got to continue to improve."
Keeley made his initial appearance for the Tide in their season-opening game last month against Western Kentucky, stepping onto the field for the first time in an Alabama uniform during the final moments of the 63-0 rout.
The following week against South Florida, he didn't get any playtime, and he was one of the few scholarship players not seen in uniform during the pregame warmups at Wisconsin.
Regarded as the third overall prospect in the nation for the 2023 class by 247 Sports, Keeley has been likened to NFL standout Chase Young by Andrew Ivins, 247 Sports' director of scouting, who also predicted a first-round NFL draft pick for him. Here's what his scouting report said:
A difference-maker out on the edge that can collapse pockets and make things extremely difficult for opposing quarterbacks. Measured just a shade under 6-foot-5, 240 pounds winter after senior season. Already pretty muscular and well-developed in the upper half, but should only continue to fill out over the next few years and has a chance to add 25 pounds or so. The type of pass rusher that has shown that he can attack the corner with both speed and power. At one point was kind of viewed as the yeti of the 2023 cycle given the lack of verified information available, but quickly silenced any and all critics after a dominating week at the All-American Bowl. Ability to create a lane or crease with his quick first-step and then convert the opportunity by getting home with his burst and motor is without a doubt one of his biggest strengths as he exits high school. So is his reach as he shrinks throwing windows with his long arms and has a knack of batting balls down at the line of scrimmage. Will need to get more versed in hand-to-hand combat if he’s going to reach full potential, but already has a well-timed spin in the toolbox and is effective with the long-arm. Not one to disappear against the run, but could always get a little more gap sound, which should happen once he weighs a little bit more and is playing assignment football. Has experience working out of both a two and three-point stance in a 4-3 base defense. Might find most success with his hand in the dirt given natural up-right demeanor, but could also thrive as a stand-up ‘Jack’ linebacker given how he comes downhill and finishes with authority. Overall, should be viewed as a future impact player on Saturdays and someone that will make a lot of money on Sundays if he can keep progressing. Pro-like mindset and ability to flip a switch once the lights come on is hard to find these days.
Keeley, who joined the team last summer, transitioned from playing as a high school defensive end to an outside linebacker in Nick Saban's setup.
He didn't play in any games last season. With the arrival of new defensive coordinator Kane Wommack last winter, Keeley shifted to the "Bandit" defensive end position and bulked up by 35 pounds during the offseason, bringing his weight to 277 pounds from the previous season's 242.
At the Bandit position for Alabama, the top choices are fifth-year Jah-Marien Latham and third-year transfer from Texas A&M, LT Overton, who have shared duties there.
In his second year, Jordan Renaud was the next choice for Bandit when Alabama brought in substitutes during the late stages of their 42-10 victory over Wisconsin. Throughout fall camp, Keeley was seemingly the fourth option for the Bandit spot.
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