Notre Dame commit Keon Keeley was impressed by the new coaching staff at Florida

The Florida Gators hosted a few prospects committed to other schools on Saturday but one of the biggest ones was a Notre Dame commit.

Notre Dame outside linebacker commit Keon Keeley (6-5, 240, Tampa, FL. Berkeley Prep) liked the new coaching staff and feel around Gainesville on Saturday.

“It went really well, the new staff is coming in with a lot of energy,” Keeley said of his visit to Florida on Saturday. “They’re bringing a lot of great things to the University of Florida and a lot of things to be excited about.”

Keeley spent the most time around his position coach who had a message to him about how he would fit into the defense.

“Mostly Coach [Mike] Peterson and a little with Coach [Billy] Napier,” he said on the coaches he was around on Saturday. “Coach Peterson just went over how I fit in the defense, being the Jack on defense, playing the edge, roaming around, and rushing the passer.”

Outside linebackers coach Mike Peterson is a guy that has a long history in football and that’s something that Keeley noticed.

“It went really well, he told me how I could be used,” Keeley said on how the relationship with Peterson is going. “How I could help the defense and help them win. He’s a really great coach, a good guy, and a lot of energy. He’s bringing a lot to the University of Florida.”

Keeley was also impressed by what head coach Billy Napier brings to the table he thinks the future is bright under Napier.

“Great coach, he has a lot to bring to the University of Florida,” he said on his talks with Napier. “The fans have something to be excited about with him and so do the players. I think he’s a great coach and hire.”

The Tampa native has said in the past that he grew up rooting for the Gators and he says it’s always good to visit Gainesville.

“The first time I visited here [Florida] was June 1st, it was good to get back on campus and get the feel of it again,” he said of visiting Florida again. “It’s always great to get back on campus and feel the vibe with everything around it.”

Now that the coaching staff has been able to spend time around Keeley, the outside linebacker says he will talk things over with his circle and see where things stand.

“Great university, definitely on the rise,” Keeley said on his interest in Florida. “I just have to talk to my head coach about everything and revisit things with my family and my coach. Kind of rework around the recruiting process.”

 

INSIDERS TAKE: Keeley will be at Notre Dame on March 26th and then again for the spring game.

Andrew Spivey
Andrew always knew he wanted to be involved with sports in some capacity. He began by coaching high school football for six years before deciding to pursue a career in journalism. While coaching, he was a part of two state semifinal teams in the state of Alabama. Given his past coaching experience, he figured covering recruiting would be a perfect fit. He began his career as an intern for Rivals.com, covering University of Florida football recruiting. After interning with Rivals for six months, he joined the Gator Country family as a recruiting analyst. Andrew enjoys spending his free time on the golf course and watching his beloved Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Twitter at @AndrewSpiveyGC.