by Bill Seals
Iowa State’s stable of defensive ends got much better on Monday morning with the commitment of a 2020 prospect from the Midwest, and the coaching staff has its eyes on a rising junior prospect from another high school program within driving distance of Ames.
Like newly-committed defensive end Johnny Wilson, LaGrange Park (Ill.) Nazareth Academy Class of 2021 three-star Ryan Keeler also took a visit to ISU over the past week. Keeler said he enjoyed on- and off-field aspects of being a student-athlete.
“I had a great time at Iowa State,” said Keeler, who took an unofficial visit last Tuesday. “I really enjoyed checking out campus and talking with Coach (Matt) Campbell and Coach (Eli) Rasheed. I really like Iowa State’s defensive philosophy. Coach Rasheed went over there defense and what they believe in. He showed me how aggressive the D-Lineman are and how they attack and are always getting upfield. I really like the defense they run.
“Coach Campbell is a great guy, he cares for his players and he only recruits tough linemen. Because he played defensive line at a high level, he knows what it takes and he believes I have what it takes to be a difference maker on the defensive line. Coach (Alex) Golesh also believes I can be an impact player early in my career.”
The 6-foot-5, 240-pound Keeler has seen his stock soar in recent months. He has a 5.6 Rivals rating and Power-5 offers from ISU, Boston College, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska and Purdue.
After making his way to I-State for the first time, Keeler said he has an entirely different opinion of the place.
“My visit changed my perspective a ton,” he said. “I was very impressed throughout the entire visit from beginning to end. I liked what the academic department had to say. They do a bunch for the athletes to make sure the graduate and are successful after they graduate. The defensive front scheme play is a big reason why I like Iowa state, they let you get after it on every down.”
The capper on Keeler’s time in Ames was the conversation he had with Campbell prior to leaving.
“Coach Campbell is a down to earth person,” Keeler said. “He stressed to just keep playing hard and training. We spoke about the recruiting process, and he liked that my family and I were out visiting schools early in the process. He said you won’t be able to visit everywhere, but just be honest with the coaches who are recruiting you. It’s okay to tell a coach that you don’t think the school is a fit.
“He cares for his players and that is evident from all the conversations I have had with coaches on the staff and players on the team. He really wanted my family and I to feel comfortable, he made sure that we knew Iowa State was a family and that he will care for all the players and make sure they graduate that is his number one priority.”
ISU became the first of the P5 offers for Keeler when it stepped up with one back on May 6th. The defensive end said the coaching staff likes a number of facets to his game.
“I am a strong, long edge player that can play anywhere on the defensive line,” he said. “They love my technique, the fact I have good hands and hips, and also how I can get off a block. They also like my great foot speed and quickness at the point of attack.”
The Class of 2021 prospect said he plans on returning for a game-day visit this fall.
Iowa State’s stable of defensive ends got much better on Monday morning with the commitment of a 2020 prospect from the Midwest, and the coaching staff has its eyes on a rising junior prospect from another high school program within driving distance of Ames.
Like newly-committed defensive end Johnny Wilson, LaGrange Park (Ill.) Nazareth Academy Class of 2021 three-star Ryan Keeler also took a visit to ISU over the past week. Keeler said he enjoyed on- and off-field aspects of being a student-athlete.
“I had a great time at Iowa State,” said Keeler, who took an unofficial visit last Tuesday. “I really enjoyed checking out campus and talking with Coach (Matt) Campbell and Coach (Eli) Rasheed. I really like Iowa State’s defensive philosophy. Coach Rasheed went over there defense and what they believe in. He showed me how aggressive the D-Lineman are and how they attack and are always getting upfield. I really like the defense they run.
“Coach Campbell is a great guy, he cares for his players and he only recruits tough linemen. Because he played defensive line at a high level, he knows what it takes and he believes I have what it takes to be a difference maker on the defensive line. Coach (Alex) Golesh also believes I can be an impact player early in my career.”
The 6-foot-5, 240-pound Keeler has seen his stock soar in recent months. He has a 5.6 Rivals rating and Power-5 offers from ISU, Boston College, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska and Purdue.
After making his way to I-State for the first time, Keeler said he has an entirely different opinion of the place.
“My visit changed my perspective a ton,” he said. “I was very impressed throughout the entire visit from beginning to end. I liked what the academic department had to say. They do a bunch for the athletes to make sure the graduate and are successful after they graduate. The defensive front scheme play is a big reason why I like Iowa state, they let you get after it on every down.”
The capper on Keeler’s time in Ames was the conversation he had with Campbell prior to leaving.
“Coach Campbell is a down to earth person,” Keeler said. “He stressed to just keep playing hard and training. We spoke about the recruiting process, and he liked that my family and I were out visiting schools early in the process. He said you won’t be able to visit everywhere, but just be honest with the coaches who are recruiting you. It’s okay to tell a coach that you don’t think the school is a fit.
“He cares for his players and that is evident from all the conversations I have had with coaches on the staff and players on the team. He really wanted my family and I to feel comfortable, he made sure that we knew Iowa State was a family and that he will care for all the players and make sure they graduate that is his number one priority.”
ISU became the first of the P5 offers for Keeler when it stepped up with one back on May 6th. The defensive end said the coaching staff likes a number of facets to his game.
“I am a strong, long edge player that can play anywhere on the defensive line,” he said. “They love my technique, the fact I have good hands and hips, and also how I can get off a block. They also like my great foot speed and quickness at the point of attack.”
The Class of 2021 prospect said he plans on returning for a game-day visit this fall.
