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By Matt Audilet
Contributing Sports Writer
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Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish bolstered their defensive line with a significant transfer portal move on Monday, landing a commitment from Alabama Crimson Tide pass rusher Keon Keeley.
Keeley, a 6-foot-5 edge rusher out of Tampa, ranked as the top player at his position in the 2023 national recruiting class. He was a Five-Star Plus+ recruit according to On3 Sports, and a consensus top-3 overall player in his class.
Keeley ultimately committed to begin his collegiate career with Alabama, choosing the Crimson Tide over offers from Notre Dame, Ohio State, Florida, Georgia, Miami, Michigan and several other powerhouse programs. He was at one point committed to play for Freeman and the Fighting Irish before flipping his commitment to Nick Saban in what would end up being his final head coaching season in 2023.
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Now, Keeley joins the Fighting Irish with two seasons of remaining collegiate eligibility.
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Keeley took a redshirt in his freshman season as he didn't appear in a single game for the Crimson Tide. He appeared in 19 total games over his next two seasons in Tuscaloosa, recording 19 combined tackles and 3.0 sacks.
Keeley's potential as a top-ranked recruit has yet to be fully realized at the collegiate level.
“The top pass rushing prospect in the 2023 cycle, with advanced size, power, athleticism and technical ability. 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,” recruiting analyst Charles Power wrote of Keeley before he began his college football career.
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Keeley is the third transfer to commit to Notre Dame so far in this year's cycle, joining former Ohio State wide receiver Quincy Porter and former Colorado cornerback DJ McKinney.
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