The Inside Scoop: Ohio State a 'true contender' for 5-star EDGE Keon Keeley

Five-star Tampa (Fla.) Berkeley Prep EDGE Keon Keeley is as talked-about of a prospect as anyone in the country.

Following his anticipated decommitment from Notre Dame last month, Keeley has become a top target for a handful of programs, but namely Ohio State, Florida and Alabama. He took an official visit to Columbus on the opening weekend of the college football season, and according to On3’s Chad Simmons, the Buckeyes made a major impression with him.

Simmons caught up with Keeley earlier this week and broke down their conversation during On3’s The Inside Scoop recruiting show.

“I think the biggest thing I took away from my time with Keon was maybe just the impression that Ohio State made,” Simmons said. “I hadn’t had a chance to really talk to him about them that much in the past. He’s very quiet and keeps things close to the vest, but he really opened up about Ohio State, what kind of impresssion they made, and how the culture fits him as a person and an athlete.

… Obviously we know about Larry Johnson, the defensive line coach and how they’re comparing him to maybe being that next Chase Young if you go to Ohio State. … My biggest takeaway is Ohio State is a true contender in this race and definitely a school to keep an eye on.”

Decision could be coming in October for Keon Keeley

With Keeley essentially down to those three programs, the next question now becomes when he will make a commitment decision. He currently has one scheduled official visit left, a trip to Alabama on Oct. 7. Florida, which would like to host him for a visit during its big visitor weekend on Oct. 15, is also in play for a visit. But Keeley said he isn’t sure if that will happen before a decision comes.

“It’s a possibility,” Keon Keeley told Simmons. “But I’m not sure at the moment.”

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Alabama is the front-runner for Keeley’s commitment at 57.8 percent. Florida (26.1%) and Ohio State (14.4%) trail slightly behind.

All three options are appealing to Keeley, who is eyeing a commitment date as early as late October.

“I could see myself at each of the schools,” Keeley added. “They’re all great universities and I feel like they all have strength points in different areas and they’re all great areas. Just being able to sort out those things will help me decide.”