Former five-star prospect Keon Keeley has switched positions for Alabama, switching from outside linebacker to defensive end.
Keeley will learn the “Bandit” role in new defensive coordinator Kane Wommack’s scheme, which will require him to line up with his hand in the ground anywhere from wide outside the tight end to inside the offensive tackle.
“When you look at Keon, you see his frame and how he’s developed — he’s got a frame that’s going to grow more into that Bandit role for us,” Wommack said Wednesday, after Keeley was spotted practicing with Roach’s defensive line. “I think as you see what Keon is developing into — and may develop into at the next level — that’s more of a better fit for him.”
Keeley was one of the nation’s top prospects in the 2023 class, ranking third among all positions by 247 Sports. He is Alabama’s eighth-highest ranked recruit of all time, according to 247 Sports’ database.
However, Keeley was one of Alabama’s only four summer entrants in 2023 and did not play as a freshman. He was on the third or fourth team at outside linebacker in pregame warmups and did not go to multiple SEC road games. Keeley was a “little behind” due to his late arrival, according to Nick Saban, and he was also learning a new position as a stand-up outside linebacker in Saban’s base 3-4 scheme.
Two more freshmen in 2023, Yhonzae Pierre and Qua Russaw, will continue to play outside linebacker in Wommack’s defence and were part of the second group at Wednesday practice. Keeley, on the other hand, will change positions. Last season, he was listed at 6-foot-5 and 242 pounds; the switch will force him to gain weight.
“He’s done well,” defensive line coach Freddie Roach said on Wednesday. “He has implemented the program’s concepts and values. He’s worked his buttocks off. He’s gained some weight and grown in size; he rushed well. We will continue to develop him and give him the opportunity to become the best player he can be.”
Keeley’s role as an edge rusher will not change a “whole bunch,” according to Roach, but the position move has advantages.
“He’s more active on the field. “That will be the best thing,” Roach stated. “He wants to know what he needs to do to get better. We’re going to keep doing that, developing that youngster. He’s a fantastic athlete, a wonderful child, and an excellent student-athlete. So he has everything you need.
Roach provided Keeley with hands-on training following a positional drill early in Wednesday’s practice, which will be part of the redshirt freshman’s learning experience.
“A lot of people believe that you just go, play defensive line, put your hand down, and run after the quarterback. “That’s not always the case,” Roach explained. “That child needs to learn how to play his position. Just like anything else, explain to him what to do so he doesn’t get frustrated and can go out there and perform, doing things the way you want him to, and explaining why he’s doing it. I believe this is an example of coaching. That’s what you should do.
“I think a lot of people believe that you just get a large man and chase down the quarterback. He corrected it, did an excellent job, and we will continue to do so until he is comfortable performing what he is requested to do on a continuous basis.”
Tim Keenan, a fourth-year defensive lineman who might start on the interior for the Tide, has welcomed Keeley to the position room.
“I’ve enjoyed Keon tremendously, man,” he stated on Wednesday. “It’s like adding a younger sibling to your family. Just showing him the ropes, and I appreciate his eagerness to learn. He is quite coachable. He receives information well. He’s going to do his best, no matter what. I sincerely appreciate it. I’m curious to watch what he evolves and develops into.”
Keenan can help Keeley gain weight.
“Trust me,” he said. “I like to grill a lot, so Keon ain’t gonna have no problem gaining no weight.”
Leave a Reply