Four programs have hosted Berkeley Prep defensive end Keon Keeley in 2022, and those four schools are among the finalist for the five-star. Keeley announced Alabama, Florida, Notre Dame, and Ohio State Tuesday night without much surprise. The bigger question is, which team is the leader for Keeley? We rank the contenders.
THE CONTENDERS
1. Alabama: After Keeley took an unofficial to Alabama on July 30, a little over two weeks later he decommitted from Notre Dame. The prevailing thought has been Alabama is in the lead for Keeley’s commitment ready to be developed under the watchful eye of head coach Nick Saban in Pete Golding’s scheme. Did the Oct. 8 official visit to Tuscaloosa seal the deal?
2. Ohio State: Talk to any elite defensive lineman with an Ohio State offer, within seconds Larry Johnson’s name is dropped. The Buckeyes D-line coach is among the most respected in the business with a great history of developing NFL players. The Buckeyes came in after Keeley’s junior season but were able to close the gap on the other offerees including Notre Dame. The successful Sept. 3 official to Columbus threw some doubt in the Crimson Tide being able to close the Tampa area prospect.
3. Notre Dame: After being committed to the Fighting Irish for over a year (June 28, 2021, to Aug. 17, 2022), there is obviously love there for Notre Dame. The Irish went through changes after the 2021 season seeing head coach Brian Kelly leave for LSU and defensive line coach Mike Elston return to Michigan. The changes in South Bend coupled with the consistency in Tuscaloosa were difference makers in reopening the recruiting process.
4. Florida: The Gators would make room for Keeley, but already have five defensive end commits in the class. There is always pressure for players to stay in-state, but unless Keeley schedules an official in Gainesville, this seems like a courtesy inclusion.
Ryan Wright, National Recruiting Analyst
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