One of IL’s Most Recruited Prospects: Ryan Keeler

<strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="20200" first="Ryan" last="Keeler"], Nazareth, 6’4, 255, SR</span></strong> <strong>Position:</strong> OL/DL <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Position Rank: </span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">3rd (OL)</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">State Rank: </span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">8th (OL)</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Offers: </span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">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.</span> &nbsp; <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Evaluation: </span></strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">When you say the word ATH, most people think of a guy who plays wide receiver &amp; 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.</span> &nbsp; <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">In-Depth:</span></strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">This interview was the first time I had spoke with [player_tooltip player_id="20200" first="Ryan" last="Keeler"] and I came away impressed. Despite the COVID-19 virus hitting, Keeler refused to give himself any excuse and is still getting after it. </span> <span data-preserver-spaces="true"> “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.”</span> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">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.</span> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">“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.”</span> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">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. </span> <span data-preserver-spaces="true"> “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.”</span> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">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.</span> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">“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.”</span> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">Regardless of which position he plays at the next level, I really do believe [player_tooltip player_id="20200" first="Ryan" last="Keeler"] 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. </span>