Birmingham Native Joins Loaded 2021 Recruiting Class For Nick Saban

On Saturday morning, after narrowing his list of possible schools to five on August 16, Tim Keenan III has decided to take his talents to Tuscaloosa for the Crimson Tide. The three-star defensive tackle had his possible landing spots focused to Alabama, Georgia, Georgia Tech, LSU, and UAB.

According to 247Sports, Keenan III stands as a 6-foot-1, 340-pound interior defensive lineman and is one of the largest athletes in his position group for the Tide. He is also currently listed as the No. 22 player in the country for his position while taking the No.12 ranking for all high school recruits in the state of Alabama.

The Bama commit played his high school football under the direction of head coach Reuben Nelson Jr at Ramsay High School in Birmingham. In 2019 as a junior, Keenan III recorded  21 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and three fumble recoveries for the Rams and this season is already shaping up to be another impressive outing for the big man in blue. In Ramsay’s first game and win in 2020, Keenan not only recorded a sack but also scored a defensive touchdown, both before halftime.

The Alabama recruiters who’ve now secured the twentieth commitment for the 2021 class are highlighted by Karl Scott and Freddie Roach for bringing on Keenan III. This addition now makes the third commit at the defensive tackle position in 2021. For the 2020 season, the Alabama Crimson Tide will have six athletes in the defensive tackle position group; However, if none of the players at that position in our program move on after the season, Alabama fans could be up for some stiff competition on the defensive line.

To make a quick comparison, the frame and style from Tim Keenan III reminds me of Quinnen Williams, who won an Outland Trophy in his tenure on Alabama’s defense. Inside runs against Ramsey have been difficult to find success with because of the need of double teams on multiple Rams defenders. If Keenan can make a lane for himself by working on his athleticism and continuing his massive efforts in the weight room, Tide fans could see him chasing quarterbacks very soon.

Welcome to Tuscaloosa, Tim!

For more content from J.R. and all the talented interns at Tide 100.9, make sure to tune-in for Tide Tonight - MWF 6:00-7:00pm. You can hear all of our radio content on the new Tide 100.9 app!