Alabama fans have been pleased with Caleb Downs, Justice Haynes, and other freshmen who have contributed to this Crimson Tide football team.
Nick Saban brought in four freshmen in the summer, including two five-star linebackers. Keon Keeley and Yhonzae Pierre were two of the top pass-rush prospects for the 2023 recruiting class. Both are explosive on the edge, have incredible speed, and can convert speed to power when attacking quarterbacks. Keeley, a native Floridian, was a problem for offenses at Berkeley Prep High School in Tampa, Fla. The 6-foot-5, 242-pounder collected 65 tackles — including 35 for loss — and 16.5 sacks as a junior.
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Keeley also had 22 quarterback hurries in 13 games, helping Berkeley Prep to a regional and district championship in 2021.
Will Anderson, a University of Alabama alumnus, was Keeley’s biggest influence in his recruitment. He selected No. 31 as a freshman to follow in Anderson’s footsteps. Pierre, a native of Eufaula, Ala., is the cousin of former Tide standout, Courtney Upshaw. Pierre was a violent versatile player on the defensive line and as an outside linebacker for Eufaula High School.
Dallas Turner, a junior linebacker, praised Keeley and Pierre for their progress at SEC Football Media Days. Alabama fans have wondered why they have yet to see Keeley and Pierre. In Monday’s presser, Coach Saban updated the progress of both linebackers.
“Both guys came in the fall,” Saban said about Keeley and Pierre.
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“We only had four guys that came in the fall and because these guys were not here in the spring, they had to catch up in the summer. I think their learning curve has been a lot greater. We are pleased with the progress they are making, but it is hard to get them enough reps at this time of the year to try to get them where they need to be so they can make a contribution.”
Saban is saying the outside linebacker room is deep right now. Keeley and Pierre will have their moment next season to become impactful, especially with Turner and Chris Braswell making NFL Draft decisions after the season.
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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.
