Penn State football adds four-star linebacker to 2023 recruiting class
Penn State has made an addition to its 2023 recruiting class with less than a week until National Signing Day.
Four-star linebacker Kaveion Keys announced his commitment to the Nittany Lions Friday morning.
Keys is the third four-star linebacker to join the class — adding to Tony Rojas and Ta’Mere Robinson. Like Rojas, the newest addition is from Virginia.
His commitment comes after he opened up his recruitment earlier in December. Keys was originally committed to North Carolina before making the decision to go elsewhere. He chose the Nittany Lions over the Tar Heels and 14 other scholarship offers.
Keys goes to Varina High School where he helped the team go 10-2 in his final high school season.
His play and potential have earned him his four-star rating and status as the No. 21 linebacker in the country and No. 4 player in Virginia, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.
An evaluation by 247Sports national recruiting analyst Brian Dohn on Keys’ 247Sports player profile page projects him as a future NFL draft pick.
“Possesses frame to add 20-25 pounds and not lose agility, speed or quickness,” the scouting report reads. “Defensive leader for state title-winning team as junior. Productive two-way play who plays on edge of 3-4 defense. High-level athlete also plays receiver. Gets off quickly at snap. Shows quick hands to keep offensive linemen from getting inside. Can re-direct and move along line of scrimmage. Has speed to get around tackle on blitzes. Has burst to get across the face of offensive tackle. Plays with energy and effort, and is a competitor. Plays fast and is physical, especially when tackling through a ball carrier.
“Willing to fight through double teams. Athleticism shows when dropping into coverage. Fluid in change of direction to drives on ball. Pursues downhill in the flat and chases plays down from behind. Body control shines as a receiver when he adjusts to the ball and uses his size to shield defenders. Strong tackler in space. Uses length well when breaking down. Needs to continue to develop upper body strength to handle physical nature of college game in the box. Has some stack-and-shed ability but needs to continue to develop it. Working on anchoring against run important. Has to continue to work on on technique, including when turning and running laterally. Multi-year starter with possible early-impact ability for Top 20 program.”
Keys’ commitment moves the class to No. 12 in the country, one spot higher than its previous ranking, jumping Oregon and the class remains the second best in the Big Ten, behind Ohio State, ahead of the 247Sports Composite team rankings.
This story was originally published December 16, 2022 at 9:08 AM.
