Penn State picks up another four-star commitment from linebacker Kaveion Keys

Penn State’s run on the recruiting trail continued Friday as the Nittany Lions picked up their third commitment this week. Following the additions of edge rushers Joseph Mupoyi and Mason Robinson, James Franklin and Manny Diaz have added another linebacker to the mix in Virginia native Kaveion Keys.

Listed at 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, Keys earned an offer from Penn State at the end of January. Steady talks with the staff led to an unofficial visit in April, followed by an official visit in June. By the start of the summer dead period, it was clear that Penn State and North Carolina were his top two schools.

Keys went on to commit to the Tar Heels right before the season, but like all good recruiters, Franklin and his staff continued to chip away. Their efforts led to another unofficial visit in October to see Penn State’s White Out game, but Keys held strong with his commitment to the Tar Heels throughout the season.

Just when many were beginning to believe he was destined for Chapel Hill, Keys surprised everyone, announcing his decommitment with just 10 days to go until the early signing period. Although Virginia Tech was able to get him on campus for an official visit, Keys knew he was likely headed to Penn State. His commitment took place privately this past Sunday during an in-home visit with Franklin, Ja’Juan Seider and Anthony Poindexter.

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“The main reason why I wanted to commit to Penn State was because of how their coaches kept in contact with me and my family. They were reaching out every day trying to build a relationship with me,” Keys said.

“It’s also ‘Linebacker U’ there. Their tradition at linebacker is special to me. My favorite player is Micah Parsons, so seeing what he’s doing and knowing what they want to accomplish there, I think it’s the best fit for me. I feel like they’re the kind of coaches that will bring something out of me that I didn’t even know was there. They want to better you as a person, on the field and off the field. They want to get you to the next level, too, and I’m all about it. So, it was a combination of how comfortable I became with them and everything I know they can do for me on and off the field.”

Going into his official visit in June, North Carolina was considered a heavy favorite. Not only is his father a fan of the Tar Heels, but Chapel Hill is about half the distance to his home in Richmond, Va., when compared to State College. While all visits are fun, Keys said that trip stood out from all the rest, adding that there was one moment in particular that stuck with him.

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“During my official visit, I remember being in their meeting room with a few other official visitors,” Keys said. “Coach Franklin played this video about Penn State football and the electricity around the place and their history. It was probably a five to 10-minute video. I just remember getting goosebumps watching it, learning about their program and the college. I’ll never forget that. That’s never happened to me on any of my visits. I thought about it a few times since then, even when I was committed.”

Keys’ recruitment was primarily led by Seider and Poindexter. However, he said that defensive recruiting assistant Alan Zemaitis was in touch with him the most. Defensive coordinator Manny Diaz also left a strong impression on him once they were able to meet.

“Honestly, Coach [Zamaitis] was probably the one who recruited me the hardest. He texted me every day and my mom every day,” Keys said. “At first, my mom didn’t really know him like that, but once she did get to know him and talked to him, she really grew to like him. My mom is very spiritual and she knows how to get people out of their shell. Once they got to really know each other, we built a nice little relationship.”

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Keys went on to add, “Coach Diaz impressed me, too. I mean, I became close with all of them, but I honestly had to Google Coach Diaz early on because I didn’t know much about him. I learned about his time in Miami, but I didn’t really get to know him like that until I got up to Penn State. The thing I like about him is that he’s real chill. He seems like a great teacher and he’s not afraid to play freshman linebackers. We all saw what he did with Abdul Carter. I know that as long as I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing, he’s going to give you a chance. I can’t wait to get rolling with Coach Diaz.”

Keys, who ranks No. 277 in the On3 Consensus and No. 177 by On3, joins an already strong group of linebackers in the Class of 2023. Fellow Virginian Tony Rojas is a top-100 prospect in the On3 Consensus. Pittsburgh native Ta’Mere Robinson was also highly-coveted. He ranks No. 213 nationally.

The Nittany Lions are now up to 22 commitments in the Class of 2023. The class is projected to finish around 23 or 24. Running back Cameron Wallace and junior college defensive tackle Quientrail Travis both remain serious options.