Tim Keenan III returned to Alabama this season despite Nick Saban retiring because he felt he had a deeper connection to the university.
Keenan signed with Alabama as a part of its 2021 recruiting class out of Ramsay High School in Birmingham, Alabama. He had a coming out season in 2023 when he earned a starting job in fall camp. He finished the season with 38 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one sack and seven quarterback hurries.
The Birmingham native decided not to attempt to transfer to another program after Nick Saban retired because he always wanted to obtain his degree from Alabama and continue to play under Freddie Roach, who was retained by Kalen DeBoer as the Tide’s defensive line coach.
“I love the University of Alabama,” Keenan said. “Growing up, being from Birmingham, I always wanted to play here. I always wanted to graduate from here and all those things. Another big thing too is coach Roach stayed, so that played a big part in everything. I’m glad coach DeBoer allowed coach Roach to stay and everything.”
“I love the University of Alabama…another big thing is coach Roach stayed. That played a big part in everything.”
Alabama DL Tim Keenan III on decision to stay at Alabama and not test the transfer portal waters. pic.twitter.com/6npPpqHGEu
— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) March 7, 2024
Keenan is now a veteran leader in Tuscaloosa. He is expected to be a solid contributor in the future as he continues to make strides to get better.
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Justin Smith is the Director of Recruiting for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via @Jdsmith31Smith
