Film Don't Lie | Keon Keeley
One look at the pictures Keon Keeley shared from his unofficial visit to Notre Dame and it’s obvious that he is not a typical rising junior in high school. Tall with a long frame, he looks like he was chiseled out of granite.
He’ll be one of the guys who gets off first off the bus for the Irish, but it’s clear that he can be someone who leads the way on the field as well. No defensive end prospect they’ve landed in recent years could equal the exciting potential Keeley has.
He has the tools to be special in blue and gold.
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 230
Projected Position: Vyper
ISD Grade: 91 (4-star)
National Average Grade: 90.5 (4-star)
What he does best:
He has the kind of arm length that programs are looking for in a defensive line prospect and he matches that with the kind of twitch that is uncommon for someone who is 6’6”. If he can master this long arm, good luck to any tackle trying to block him one on one.
He runs really well and he has a very high motor. It’s awesome to see him chase down plays from the backside with a combination of athleticism and pure hustle.
His length and leaping ability make him a threat to disrupt passing lanes on any snap.
There are these flashes of violence at the point of attack that show he is more than an athlete they stuck out on the edge.
What he needs to improve:
Consistent pad level is something that he’ll need to develop. Playing from a two-point he plays too tall on some plays and can be better.
He shows brilliant athleticism reacting at times as a pass rusher, but lacks initial moves to dominate. He’ll need to develop his hands and find a couple of go-to moves.
There are plays where his twitch jumps off the screen and others where he is late reacting. When he gets better with get off, he’s going to be extremely difficult for any tackle to block.
What’s his ceiling?
Think of one of those lofts that people with way too much money in New York City own and then extend that ceiling another 10 feet. That’s how high Keeley’s upside is.
His tools are absolutely elite. He has 5-star potential as a recruit and has the physical traits that could make him a very high NFL Draft pick. Notre Dame does not land many like him.
Who he could be:
Current Cincinnati edge Myjai Sanders