Notre Dame Football Recruiting: 4-Star DE Keon Keeley commits to the Irish

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish received their first commitment of the 2023 class on Monday when 4-Star defensive ends Keon Keeley announced his decision.

It’s still early in the 2023 cycle, and Keeley is singularly rated by 247 Sports as a 4-Star and the #216 overall prospect in the country. The 6’5” 230 pounder from Berkeley Prep in Tampa Bay, Florida, chose the Irish over a nice early offer list that included the Florida Gators, Florida State Seminoles, North Carolina Tar Heels and others.

We’ve already seen the massive recruiting impact Marcus Freeman has made at Notre Dame just a few months into the job, but Keeley gives a lot of credit to Mike Elston — his future defensive line coach, and the Irish recruiting coordinator.

For me, it’s still extremely early in the 2023 cycle to make too many predictions. I will say that the Marcus Freeman effect will be interesting to watch now that he has more time to work on a particular cycle.

Keeley looks every bit the part of an elite pass-rusher that’s long, lean, and quick. His wingspan is said to be over 7 foot wide, and he will assuredly grow more in the future as he is only going to be a junior in high school this season.

FIST PUMPS UP FOR KEON!