CBS college football analyst Chris Hummer wrote on Tuesday what most Alabama fans have already been thinking for a while.
Entering his third year at Alabama, there's a lot of pressure on former 5-star EDGE Keon Keeley to finally crack the rotation. Hummer stops short of saying that it is now or never for Keeley, but I won't: it is now or never for Keeley, at least in Tuscaloosa. If he can't crack the rotation this year, he probably never will, and will likely explore his options in the winter Transfer Portal window.
Hummer correctly states that Keeley isn't in line to start this season. He's competing in a crowded Bandit room that features an entrenched starter in senior LT Overton, who was terrific in his first season in Tuscaloosa a year ago and could emerge as one of the better defensive linemen in the country.
But you can never have enough depth on the defensive line. Keeley hopes to be one of those rotational pieces. Hummer writes:
"But he should at least emerge as part of the rotation for an Alabama front that lacks proven pass rushing production. If he can't … Keeley begins to track toward the bust label every five-star recruit hopes to avoid."
After a transition year changing positions, it's now or never for Keon Keeley
Keeley came to Alabama as an outside linebacker, but made the position switch last offseason to Bandit in the new defensive scheme. Last year was a transition season, but now it's time for Keeley to make his move up the depth chart.
It won't be easy. Along with Overton, there's Florida transfer Kelby Collins, fellow third-year DE Jordan Renaud, and JUCO transfer Fatutoa Henry. Collins figures to get some playing time at DT, a position where Alabama isn't blessed with as much depth behind projected starter James Smith.
Collins cross-training should open the door even more for Keeley and Renaud behind Overton. Alabama has to get more of a pass rush up-front, and if Keeley can get after the QB, he'll get plenty of playing time.
Internally, there's been a lot of positive talk surrounding Keeley in the Alabama facility. Josh Pate spoke about it back in May and made the prediction Alabama fans have long waited for that Keeley would be a breakout player for the Crimson Tide this season.
It all starts with fall camp, which gets started today. It's time for Keeley to make his move.