Notre Dame, was sporting the number one recruiting class for the class of 2023, and then last night, the class lost its top commitment. Five star defensive end Keon Keely announced on twitter that he was decommitting from Notre Dame and that he, “hopes everyone understands my need to ensure I find the right path. “
The move by the No 7 ranked overall player in the Country (247Sports) did not come as a shock to those who follow the recruiting game. Keeley had been committed to ND since June of 2021 but has continued to garner interest from blue chip programs all over the country including Ohio State, Florida and Alabama. The 6-6 242 pounder from Tampa, Florida took an unofficial visit to Alabama last month and since that time a change of heart in the blue chip recruit seemed all but inevitable.
Described by 247Sports as “the first one off the bus with his hulking, muscular frame”, Alabama now seems to be the most likely landing spot for the blue chip prospect. Theoretically, Keeley could recommit to Notre Dame, but it is likely that ND will focus its own efforts on other prospects.
With the loss of Keeley, Notre Dame drops to #3 in the 247 2023 class rankings. Notre Dame does have two other highly ranked defensive end prospects committed to the class. Among the 22 commitments, are four star top 150 prospects Brenan Vernon (Mentor, OH) and Boubacar Traore (West Roxburyy, MA), who have been recruited as defensive ends. Notre Dame’s top rated 2023 commitment is five star safety Peyton Bowen (Denton, TX).