One of IL’s Most Recruited Prospects: Ryan Keeler

Ryan Keeler Ryan Keeler 6'5" | 250 lbs | DL Nazareth | 2021 State IL , Nazareth, 6’4, 255, SR

Position: OL/DL

Position Rank: 3rd (OL)

State Rank: 8th (OL)

Offers: Arizona, Boston College, Rutgers, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas State, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Ole Miss, Oregon State, Purdue, Rutgers, Texas Tech, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin.

Evaluation: 

When you say the word ATH, most people think of a guy who plays wide receiver & DB. They don’t really think of a guy who is 6’4 and 255 pounds. However, Keeler is truly an athlete in every sense of the word. This is a legitimate Division one prospect on the offensive and defensive line. The only reason I didn’t list him as an athlete on our rankings is because I loved the way this kid played at tackle as a junior. As a pass protector Keeler is naturally gifted and moves well laterally when a defensive lineman gives him a counter move. He can reach block defensive ends and excels in down block situations. On film, he throws people around like ragdolls. As a defensive lineman, Keeler is an artist as a hand fighter. He often catches offensive lineman lunging forward and smacks away their punch. He has a good anchor in the run game and gets great extension when ripping off blocks. This kid honestly can play either side of the ball at the next level.

In-Depth:

This interview was the first time I had spoke with Ryan Keeler Ryan Keeler 6'5" | 250 lbs | DL Nazareth | 2021 State IL and I came away impressed. Despite the COVID-19 virus hitting, Keeler refused to give himself any excuse and is still getting after it. 

 “I have a nice little set up at my house with a rack of a few dumbbells, so I am still getting all of my workouts in. I also am running about 3 miles a day to keep in good shape. I go to the park with some cones and work on my pass rush often as well.”

Currently, he’s one of the top uncommitted prospects in the state. Recent speculation was that he was favoring Rutgers. However, Keeler gave no indication of any sort of favorite just yet.

“Right now, I don’t necessarily have a top schools list yet. I have a good idea, but right now, I am focused on building relationships with each of the schools that are recruiting me. I don’t think that I am ready to narrow down my list just yet, especially with this Corona happening right in the middle of it.”

Keeler has yet to decide where he wants to take his official visits to as well. He told me he’d look into that at a later point. I mentioned earlier how Keeler is being recruited as both a defensive lineman and offensive lineman and has a ton of potential at both. As far as what position he wants to play, he gave a pretty clear picture. 

 “I definitely prefer playing defensive line because I definitely am better, and I enjoy playing it a lot more. I have been doing DL training since I was in 7th grade. I am glad my dad started me training, it has definitely paid off. I am open to playing O-Line at the right school if it is the right fit for me.”

Beyond that Keeler is ready for his senior season at Nazareth. They have a roster loaded with talent and are expected to compete for a state title. He’s put in the work this off-season and ready to see the benefits.

“I have had a great offseason this year. I am looking forward to proving everyone wrong this year and getting back to the state championship and winning it! I have lost 30 pounds of fat and put on 15 pounds of muscle since December. I just felt last year I was a little too heavy and had too much bad weight on me. I am faster, more explosive, and stronger than ever I have ever been.”

Regardless of which position he plays at the next level, I really do believe Ryan Keeler Ryan Keeler 6'5" | 250 lbs | DL Nazareth | 2021 State IL will be successful. This is a tough, hard-nosed kid who is willing to put in the work. He’s going to make a college football program very happy when he makes his decision.