The final two posts on Alabama defensive lineman Keon Keeley’s X profile are primarily the identical, one from early August 2023 with two photos and the caption “Yr 1” after which one other from July 2024 with two new photos and the caption “Yr Two.”
Whereas neither yr ended up being fruitful production-wise for 247Sports’ No. 3 general recruit within the 2023 class, the outlook is abruptly completely different for his third season and the defensive lineman has but to publish something about it.
Regardless of his present profession sort out quantity (three) barely eclipsing the years he is spent in school, there’s continued optimism at Alabama that this would be the yr that Keeley begins to turn out to be an element for the Crimson Tide protection.
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“Keon has matured and developed inside the protection,” a supply instructed CBS Sports activities. “… He is gained lots of belief from his teammates as he has improved his execution and manufacturing.”
After arriving at Alabama as a 240-pound outdoors linebacker, the 6-foot-5 Keeley shifted to the defensive position room final season, has placed on 40 kilos and is in place to be a part of the Crimson Tide’s defensive position rotation this yr.
Keeley is competing with fellow redshirt sophomore and former top-100 recruit Jordan Renaud for second-team reps at Alabama’s Bandit place behind early-round NFL draft prospect LT Overton. The Tide additionally envisions Keeley doubtlessly with the ability to transfer inside on third downs, together with inside its Dime group, and with the ability to create points for opposing offensive guards as a move rusher.
“He is actually improved,” a supply mentioned. “The older guys within the room have accomplished an awesome job with him and he is actually taken the angle of: I will take these steps. However he is a man that may be trusted to be bodily in move rush.”
The most important development for Keeley appears to be from a maturity and strategy standpoint. Sources describe him as “bodily gifted,” however it’s been the expansion in different areas that is led to the optimism at Alabama that he could lastly be prepared to start out changing into an element for the Crimson Tide protection.
“I consider he’ll (take a giant step ahead),” a supply mentioned. “He’ll play.”
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