Alabama Football: Two blossoming stars in the trenches
The 2021 recruiting class for Alabama Football was a star-studded group. Bama’s 2021 haul was ranked first in the nation and included seven 5-star players, most of whom have panned out.
Offensive tackle JC Latham, edge rusher Dallas Turner, and cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry have all lived up to the hype, and figure to be first-round draft picks next spring. Cornerback Terrion Arnold and linebacker Deontae Lawson have both played major roles this season, and could be destined for the first round themselves.
Wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks has had a quiet 2023 season amidst several injuries, but has already proven he has elite capabilities as a pass catcher. The 2021 class also included 4-star quarterback Jalen Milroe, who has quickly ascended into a Heisman contender in year three.
Even with all the star power that this group brought to Tuscaloosa, two of the lowest-ranked members of the class have proven to be gems.
Nose guard Tim Keenan III and offensive guard Jaeden Roberts seemingly came out of nowhere to seize starting positions in their redshirt sophomore seasons. The former 3-star recruits have had similar impacts on their respective sides of the line of scrimmage.
The defensive line, largely anchored by Keenan III, has been one of the strongest units on the team, particularly against the run. Conversely, the offensive line struggled early in the season, failing to live up to the offseason talk. After Roberts was inserted into the starting lineup, the group gradually began to improve. It has since progressed into one of the better units in the SEC.
A product of Birmingham, Tim Keenan III was considered the no. 69 defensive tackle and the no. 22 overall player in the state of Alabama.
Coming out of Houston, Texas, Jaeden Roberts was the no. 33 offensive guard in the country and the no. 74 player in the Lone Star State.
These two emerging stars are living proof that recruiting rankings don’t always mean everything. Coach Nick Saban and his staff were able to find not one, but two diamonds in the rough in that loaded 2021 class. It wasn’t the first time Saban has landed a sleeper on the trail, and it certainly won’t be the last.
As the Iron Bowl looms and the postseason nears, pay close attention to these two late bloomers in the trenches for Alabama Football.
Auburn running in place. dark. Next
Roberts and Keenan III both play with a chip on their massive shoulders, and they have helped transform this Alabama Football team into a title contender.