Player Bio
Keke (pronounced kee-kee) became a full-time starter in 2017, lining up for all 13 contests and stopping 54 ballcarriers, 2.5 times for losses including one sack. He found himself in the backfield more regularly as a senior, breaking out with 51 stops, 11 for loss, and a team-high seven sacks for the Aggies. The four-star recruit and All-State pick from Richmond, Texas, started the final nine games of the 2016 season, posting 37 tackles, seven for loss, four sacks, and four pass breakups in 13 contests that year. Even as a freshman, Keke contributed in 13 games as a reserve, making eight tackles.
Analysis
Draft Projection: Rounds 3-4
NFL Comparison: Mario Edwards
Overview
Potentially polarizing prospect as some teams could struggle with his best fit in the league. With his athletic ability and functional strength, a role as base in a 4-3 scheme with the ability to reduce inside is most likely. One-gapping 3-4 defenses could target him as well, but he'll need to add aggressiveness at the point of attack for that role. Keke could step into an early backup spot, but he possesses enough natural ability to aim for an eventual starter or designated rusher role.Strengths
- Dropped 20 pounds and showed ability to transition from tackle to end
- Fluid, impressive athlete for a big man
- Can play light on his feet to mirror and pursue change of direction
- Upper-body power to punch and press tackles off of him
- Adequate balance and body control through contact
- Strength to reduce inside and manage against power
- Springy lateral quickness to disengage and make sudden tackles near his gaps
- Flashes some explosiveness and stride length out of stance as upfield as a rusher
- Shows adequate dip to sink under and trim the edges
- Unleashes basketball euro-step as interior rusher to throw guards off-balance and open his edge
- Quick to recognize and close out screen passes.
Weaknesses
- Needs to supplement upper-body power with stronger base
- Legs lack some proportion and girth
- Needs more urgency to attack and shed blocks
- Inconsistent charge as upfield rusher
- Full potential as rusher not always on display
- Defaults to bull-rush strategy despite his athletic qualities
- Uses basic swipe that fails to punish blocker's initial punch
- Hands are too passive and could benefit from more violence and quickness.
