Keon Keeley, a former five-star recruit, switched from outside linebacker to defensive end for Alabama.
Under the new defensive coordinator Kane Wommack’s scheme, Keeley will learn the “Bandit” role, which calls for him to line up with his hand in the ground anywhere from inside the offensive tackle to wide outside the tight end.
Keeley was spotted at practice with Roach’s defensive line unit on Wednesday. “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 stated. “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 ranked No. 3 overall by 247 Sports, making him one of the country’s top talents in the 2023 class. According to 247 Sports, he is now Alabama’s eighth-highest recruiting class of all time.
Keeley, however, was one of just four Alabama summer recruits in 2023 and did not see the field during his rookie year. During pregame warm-ups, he was either a member of the third or fourth team at outside linebacker, and he skipped several SEC road games. Keeley was “little behind” in Saban’s base 3-4 scheme because he arrived later, and he was also learning how to play stand-up outside linebacker.
Yhonzae Pierre and Qua Russaw, two more freshman in 2023 who will play outside linebacker in Wommack’s defense, were in the second group during Wednesday’s practice. Keeley, though, is going to switch places. Last season, he was listed at 6-foot-5 and 242 pounds; he will need to gain weight for the switch.
Coach of the defensive line, Freddie Roach, stated on Wednesday, “He’s done well.” “He has introduced the program’s tenets and values. He has put in a ton of work. He’s grown larger and put on a little weight, all in a timely manner. We’ll keep working on him and provide him with the chance to reach his full potential as a player.”
Although Roach stated that Keeley’s duties as an edge rusher won’t affect a “whole bunch,” the position move has benefits.
“He is spending more time on the field. The finest thing will be that, according to Roach. “He’s curious about what steps he needs to take to improve. We’re going to keep developing that child in that way. He is an amazing child, a fantastic student-athlete, and a superb athlete. He therefore has all you require.”
Following a positional exercise early in Wednesday’s practice, Roach provided Keeley some hands-on teaching. This will be a part of the redshirt freshman’s learning process.
Many people believe that playing D-line, putting your hand down, and running after the quarterback is all it takes. That’s not always the case, according to Roach. “That kid needs to develop his position-playing skills. Like anything else, you should give him instructions on how to do things so he won’t become frustrated and can do. He should also be told why he’s performing the task. That, in my opinion, is what constitutes coaching. That is your expected course of action.
Many people, in my opinion, simply believe that you pick up a large guy and pursue the quarterback. As you can see, he repaired it and performed a terrific job. We’ll keep doing it until he feels confident fulfilling his requests consistently.”
Keeley has been welcomed into the position room by Tim Keenan, a fourth-year defensive lineman who may start again on the interior for the Tide.
“Man, I’ve really enjoyed Keon,” he remarked on Wednesday. It’s expanding your family by getting a younger brother. I’m just giving him the rundown and am grateful for his eagerness to learn. He’s a great coach. He is good at processing information. He is going to give it everything he has. Thank you so much for that. I’m interested to watch what he grows and changes into.”
Regarding Keeley putting on weight, Keenan is capable of handling that.
“Believe in me,” he said. “I like to grill a lot, so Keon ain’t gonna have no problem gaining no weight.”
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