A freshman on Alabama’s defensive line wants to be a force in 2022.
Tim Keenan III, a native of Birmingham, Ala., was one of four defensive linemen in the Crimson Tide’s recent class.
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He comes in a lineage of defensive tackles Alabama from the Birmingham area.
Nick Saban signed Marcell Dareus (Huffman), Da’Ron Payne (Shades Valley), Quinnen Williams (Wenonah), and DJ Dale (Clay-Chalkville). Keenan was a force at Ramsay High School, leading its defense to an Alabama 5A state quarterfinal appearance in the 2019 playoffs. He sustained an injury in his senior season, but Keenan recorded 23 tackles, seven sacks, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. The 6-foot-2, 335-pounder looks like a traditional two-gap run stuffer, but he can be a disruptive interior pass rusher too. Keenan collapsed the pocket several times for Ramsay in matchups during his career.
He has not played in his first year, but Keenan continues to work. He’s been perfecting his craft as an interior rusher with Coach T. Swift of Winning Edge OL/DL training. Alabama returns to practice on Thursday to begin practice for its College Football Playoff matchup versus Cincinnati. The Tide will face the Bearcats at AT&T Stadium on New Year’s Eve in the Cotton Bowl.
Quick Break before the College Football Playoffs! @tim_keenan3 still putting in work!! When his time comes he will be prepared!! @AlabamaFTBL #WEdifferent #RollTide pic.twitter.com/4rCY7Y5gv4
— Coach T. Swift (@coachswift64) December 14, 2021
Alabama fans are excited to see what Keenan can do when his chance comes.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
