Keon Keeley was spotted working with Alabama football’s defensive line group Wednesday during the Crimson Tide’s second spring practice.
Keeley is a former five-star recruit out of Florida. He signed with Alabama as what many considered to be the nation’s top edge prospect.
The Florida product is growing into a new role under the Tide’s defensive coordinator Kane Wommack. Keeley will get an opportunity to develop in the bandit role, which is more of a traditional defensive end position within Wommack’s ‘swarm’ defense. The position allows players to play multiple techniques within the defensive front.
“When you look at Keon, you see his frame, how he’s developed just even in the last year here,” Womack said. “I think he’s got a frame that is going to grow more into that Bandit role for us. That bandit position can play a nine technique, a five technique, can reduce down. I think as what you see Keon developing into and what he may develop into at the next level, that is probably a better fit for him.”
Alabama LB Keon Keeley developing to play Bandit role in Kane Wommack’s defense as he worked with the Tide’s defensive line group Wednesday.
Tide DL coach Freddie Roach feels this ‘will get him on the field more.’ pic.twitter.com/6MahYKKKcH
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) March 7, 2024
Keeley did not see any action as a freshman. Alabama’s defensive line coach Freddie Roach feels this could change in his new role.
“We’ll get him on the field more,” Roach said. “That would be the best thing. He’s bought in. He works hard every day. He wants to know what he’s got to do to get better, and we’re going to continue to do that and develop that kid. He’s a great athlete, great kid, great student-athlete. So, he’s got everything you need.”
The development is Keeley is something to continue to watch throughout the spring.
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Justin Smith is the Director of Recruiting for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via @Jdsmith31Smith
