Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama defensive lineman Tim Keenan III (DL18) runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Had it not been for Nick Saban, one of Alabama’s team captains from last year, might have played out his college career at Georgia. During media interviews at this week’s NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, former Crimson Tide defensive lineman Tim Keenan III revisited what ended up being a close decision between Alabama and Georgia in his recruiting process.
When asked on Wednesday about the possibility of being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, Keenan embraced the idea, stating he’d love the chance to reunite with former teammates Byron Young and Jihaad Campbell. A move up to Philadelphia would also pair Keenan on the same defensive line as former Georgia standout Jordan Davis, who was selected by the Eagles with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2022 draft.
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During his interview on Wednesday, Keenan revealed that he almost served as Davis’ eventual replacement at Georgia, as the former Chuck Bednarik and Outland Trophy winner nearly swayed him to join the Bulldogs out of high school.
“He actually recruited me when I was in the recruiting process,”Keenan recalled to reporters. “He almost got me to Georgia, so that’s my dog.”
In fact, Keenan might have ended up in red and black if it weren’t for Nick Saban, who ultimately convinced the Birmingham native to remain in state.
“It was real close,” Keenan recalled of his recruitment. “Georgia, they almost had me, but I couldn’t say no to Nick Saban.”
That turned out to be a big win for the Crimson Tide. Keenan served as one of Alabama’s four permanent team captains last year, capping off a four-season career in Tuscaloosa that saw him pile up 95 total tackles, including 11.5 stops for a loss with 5.5 sacks.
Last season, Keenan started 12 games, recording 16 tackles, including three for a loss with a pair of sacks. The 6-foot-2, 320-pound defensive tackle also tallied 12 quarterback pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.
Keenan is currently projected as a mid-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft. NFL.com gave him a 5.94 draft grade, listing him as a “average backup or special teamer.”
“Keenan is a girthy nose tackle with average talent and upside,”NFL analyst Lance Zierlein wrote on Keenan’s profile. “He has the frame/play strength to take on blocks and fight for ground with reasonable success. However, a lack of length limits his ability to command the point of attack with a quick punch-and-shed. He’s more block-beater than block-eater and won’t offer much as a rusher. Keenan has Day 3 value as a rotational player.”
Keenan started on-field workouts on Thursday by recording a 5.32 unofficial time in the 40-yard dash. The former run stuffing defensive tackle said he’s looking to show scouts more of his athleticism this weekend.
“Just how much of a freak athlete I am,” Keenan said. “Being a bigger guy, you kind of get put in a box, but I’m just trying to show how fast I am and stuff.”
Tony Tsoukalas is a staff writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine with more than a dozen years of sports writing experience. Tsoukalas, a graduate of Alabama, has covered the Crimson Tide since 2016, previously working for the Anniston Star, Bama Central and Rivals. He won first place in the 2024 Associated Press Sports Editors contest in the Division D Beat Writing category. Along with team coverage, Tsoukalas provides a weekly column featuring his take on Alabama athletics. Follow him on X at Tony_Tsoukalas