SEC Defensive Line Transfer Keeshawn Silver Commits to USC
Kentucky redshirt junior defensive tackle Keeshawn Silver is a former five-star prospect in the 2021 recruiting class and the nation’s No. 22 overall prospect. He originally signed with North Carolina and transferred to Kentucky after two seasons.
Last week Silver visited USC and on Thursday he announced his commitment to the Trojans. Silver was among the top targets for Eric Henderson from. day one of the transfer portal period.
Silver started 23 games over two years at Kentucky. He finished the 2024 regular season with 26 tackles, including one sack. According to PFF, he had nine quarterback pressures, including a season-high three against Ole Miss. He’s been praised by On3’s Nick Roush of KSR for his impact as a “gap-eater in the middle of the Kentucky defense.”
Listed at 6-foot-4, 336 pounds, Silver has the size USC coaches are looking for in transfer portal additions. This week, USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn talked about what they want to add to the front seven.
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“The primary focus is still up front,” Lynn said. “I would say size is the No. 1 priority, but also versatility. Giving us the flexibility to do everything we want up front. Are we going to find the perfect guy? Hopefully. But I would say size is the No. 1 priority.”
USC steps up NIL game once again
The Trojans were up against some heavyweights in the NIL world and needed to be very competitive there to land him. We’re told USC was prepared to allocate significant resources in order to add the necessary size and athleticism to not only the defensive line room, but the linebackers room as well.
Silver was expected to command seven figures for his final collegiate season. Here’s how I look at defensive line targets these days, if Coach Henny likes a player enough to offer, I’m rolling with that evaluation.
