Former Notre Dame commit anonymously predicted to be a breakout SEC star heading into the 2025 CFB season
If you think back to the 2023 recruiting class, Notre Dame put together a tremendous overall group. It looked like it was going to be even better when they held a commitment from former five-star defensive end Keon Keeley. Unfortunately that commitment didn’t last, and Keeley eventually decided to reopen his commitment and land with […]
If you think back to the 2023 recruiting class, Notre Dame put together a tremendous overall group. It looked like it was going to be even better when they held a commitment from former five-star defensive end Keon Keeley. Unfortunately that commitment didn’t last, and Keeley eventually decided to reopen his commitment and land with the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Many expected Keeley to make an instant impact when heading down to Tuscaloosa, but through two seasons, he has barely played. With how deep and talented the defensive line room is for Alabama, it is easy for good football players to get lost in the shuffle. It appeared like that could be the fate of Keeley.
It appears that it isn’t time to give up on Keeley just yet. The Florida native was included in a potential breakout stars list in the SEC heading into the 2025 college football season. There are people who are very high on Keeley behind the scenes.
Here’s what 247Sports college football analyst Matt Zenitz had to say about Keeley.
KEELEY, ALABAMA DL
After Keeon Keeley's quiet first two years at Alabama (including just three total tackles), the former five-star recruit is now in line to be a factor as, at the very least, a rotational piece for the Crimson Tide this season. The 6-foot-5, 280-pound Keeley switched from outside linebacker to the defensive line, has put on 40 pounds since first arriving at Alabama and has impressed people around the building with his work and approach behind the scenes.
Keeley ranked as the No. 3 overall playerand No. 1 edge rusher in the 2023 recruiting class.
"Keon has matured and developed within the defense after moving into the D-line room last spring," a source said. "He's gained a lot of trust from his teammates and he has improved his execution and production."
Redshirt freshman Jeremiah Beaman is another Alabama defensive lineman who's had a strong offseason and is expected to take a step forward. The 2024 top-105 recruit tallied two tackles last year.
Redshirt freshman wide receiver Rico Scott is an additional up-and-coming Tide player who's impressing this offseason, although it may be tough to make a sizable impact this year with Alabama having one of the nation's best and deepest wide receiver units led by players such as Ryan Williams, Germie Bernard and Isaiah Horton.
It might hurt Fighting Irish a little bit to see Keeley potentially breakout this fall, but seeing that talent on film could still be a lot of fun. There has never been any question about Keeley’s talent. The maturation just took a bit longer than some expected.
Alabama had a bit of a down season for head coach Kalen DeBoer in his first year, finishing with a 9-4 overall record. If players like Keeley can take a massive step, the Crimson Tide could make a substantial jump in 2025.
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