Alabama freshman EDGE Keon Keeley to follow Will Anderson, wear No. 31

Will Anderson exits the Alabama program as a legend and will forever be a fan favorite. He wore the No. 31 from the moment he stepped on campus but now going to work with the Houston Texans, the number was left vacant. That was until Keon Keeley stepped on campus.

Keeley recently arrived in Tuscaloosa and getting to experience being a full-time Alabama player for the first time. He took to Instagram to show off his new locker and revealed he would be wearing the No. 31, beginning this upcoming season.

Five-Star-Plus EDGE Keon Keeley will rock the No. 31, formerly worn by Will Anderson, for #Alabama this season.https://t.co/qK8LND8ZsE pic.twitter.com/A9imWCfHfd

— Clint Lamb (@ClintRLamb) May 29, 2023

There will be big shoes to replace with the No. 31 but if anyone can fill them, it’s Keeley. After all, he was ranked a Five-Star Plus+ prospect and coveted by programs across the country. Keeley was a long-time Notre Dame commit but Alabama had to battle Ohio State and in-state Florida schools for his signature.

Alabama would love for him to have a similar career path to Anderson, who wound up as the second-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. During his time in Tuscaloosa, he was consistently in the backfield and was key in winning two SEC championships and a national championship.

Anderson recorded 204 tackles, 58.5, and 34.5 sacks throughout his college career. Many thought he should have been in the Heisman Trophy debate in 2021 but was not extended an invite to New York City. Instead, Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson represented defensive players at the ceremony for college football’s most prestigious individual award.

Comparing Keon Keeley, Will Anderson

Keeley played high school football at Tampa (FL) Berkeley Prep, where he was a Five-Star Plus+ prospect. He was the No. 2 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

From a rankings perspective, Keeley was more highly regarded in his cycle coming out of high school compared to Anderson. The now-Texans player was a five-star prospect as well but was No. 17 overall in the 2020 class out of Hampton (GA) Dutchtown.

As for how Keeley’s college career plays out compared to Anderson’s — we will have to wait at least three years to find out. Either way, there is going to be a ton of excitement about the freshman EDGE this upcoming year.

If dawning No. 31 is the sign of things to come, the Crimson Tide have a special player on their hands.