Alabama five-star signee has shoulder surgery

JosephAHastings

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An Alabama signee in the Class of 2023 has had shoulder surgery, multiple sources tell BamaInsider.

Keon Keeley, the No. 2 overall player on the 2023 On3 Consensus, had a procedure done on his left shoulder this week. Sources informed BamaInsider that this procedure, which was performed by Dr. Lyle Cain in Birmingham, took place on Tuesday, Feb. 14.

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This was an issue that had been affecting Keeley during his senior season, though he still managed to record 17 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss. Alabama wanted things to be taken care of prior to his campus arrival this summer.

According to our intel, Keeley is expected to be ready to go and should be 100 percent healthy by the time he enrolls in June.

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Also worth noting is that Keeley spent time with his fellow 2023 signees last week as he made a detour to Tuscaloosa before his procedure. He also had an opportunity to catch up with future position coach Coleman Hutzler during the trip.

Keeley is not the only Alabama signee who has undergone a shoulder injury.

Future Bama receiver Cole Adams tore some ligaments in his AC joint area and also had a severe Grade 5 sprain in his season opener last year, which required surgery. Tight end signee Ty Lockwood suffered a torn labrum last season that led to him having surgery in Birmingham.

Keeley will arrive in the summer, alongside other Alabama signees Conor Talty, Richard Young, and Yhonzae Pierre.

Keon Keeley On3 Scouting Report

“The top pass rushing prospect in the 2023 cycle, with advanced size, power, athleticism and technical ability,” the report reads. “Shows high-end explosion and finishing ability behind the line of scrimmage. Has a big frame at around 6-foot-5, 245 pounds with good length (33 7/8 inch arms). Touts a strong first step, bursting off the ball and uses his length to create disruption off the edge. A technical, patient rusher who added moves throughout his high school career. Developed a spin move to go with quick hands as a senior. Displays strong closing speed and finishes plays behind the line of scrimmage at a high rate.

“Among the more productive pass rushers in the nation as a junior and senior, totaling 32.5 sacks over his final two seasons,” the report continues. “Most comfortable rushing out of a two-point stance at this point. A violent finisher who delivers massive hits on opposing quarterbacks. Has the frame and play strength to develop into a plus run defender. Quickly generates momentum and converts speed to power as a pass rusher. Will need to continue improving his bend and flexibility as he’s more of a straight line rusher. Also a bouncy athlete with a basketball background. Capped of his high school career with an MVP performance throughout the week at the All-American Bowl.”

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