Keon Keeley, a 5-star EDGE target for Alabama, decommits from Notre Dame
After weeks of speculation, five-star EDGE Keon Keeley has made a decision on the next step of his recruiting process. On Wednesday, Keeley announced that he has decommitted from Notre Dame and is reopening his recruitment.
Keeley, who committed to the Fighting Irish on June 28, 2021, tweeted out his decision moments ago.
This is a significant development for several programs pursuing the product of Tampa (Fla.) Berkeley Prep, including the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Per the 2023 On3 Consensus, Keeley is the No. 12 overall player in this recruiting cycle. He’s also ranked as the No. 3 rising senior in Florida and the top-ranked EDGE prospect.
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Keeley being one of the top prep prospects in the nation, Alabama’s Coleman Hutzler, Nick Saban, and other staff members have been in constant communication with him. The program was even able to get him on campus two times during his commitment to Notre Dame.
At the start of the year, Keeley made his way up to Tuscaloosa for the Crimson Tide’s junior day on Jan. 29. He would go on to return for Alabama’s Champions Cook-Out the final weekend of July.
While his first trip was a one-day stop, the latest one was a more in-depth experience. Keeley spent two nights in T-Town (on Alabama’s campus), receiving quality time with multiple Crimson Tide coaches, commits, and players.
Keon Keeley had “a fantastic time” on his recent visit to Alabama
Keeley has not conducted many interviews as of late, but we did get some insight into his most recent trip to Alabama. His mother, Janicke, told BamaInsider that they spent quality time with a pair of Crimson Tide coaches during their stay on campus.
“We had an in-depth position meeting with Coach Hutzler,” Keeley previously told us. “Spent a lot of time with Coach Hutzler. We had two meetings with Saban as well. He really wants Keon there. Saban said Keon is very much needed. They would love him there, but no pressure.”
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She also commented on her son’s interest level in the Crimson Tide following this second visit.
“Keon feels really good on campus,” Janicke Keeley said. “He really likes everyone. But we have a couple of more visits. Alabama is a dream school of Keon’s. So, we will continue to monitor this closely.”
During his yearlong-plus verbal pledge to Notre Dame, Keon Keeley also took several visits elsewhere.
Along with visiting Alabama twice, Keeley made his way out to nearby Florida for a visit on March 5. The Gators were a team that Keeley previously referred to as his childhood favorite program.
17 days after going to Gainesville, Keeley journeyed up to Ohio State for a visit with Ryan Day’s program. There, he spent time with several of the Buckeye commits, including star recruiter Luke Montgomery.
At this time, Keeley has yet to publicly announce dates for all of his official visits. He has four remaining officials after utilizing one to South Bend from June 10-12.
Stay tuned to BamaInsider for more on this key development in Alabama’s pursuit of Keon Keeley.
