TideFans 2009 Crown Jewel Countdown - #29 - OT Darius McKeller .

[Crimson Surfer]

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My opinion and comments:

Darius McKeller is a raw talent who is big and strong with quick feet and a long wingspan. He was signed as an OT but could end up as an OG if that is his fastest route to playing. He only played two years of HS football and he has a ways to go in both his pass blocking and his run blocking skills. He has a lot of potential but look for him to redshirt.

RollTide.com: National Signing Day 2009 - Alabama's Signing Class

	Quote:
	Darius McKeller outstanding pickup for Alabama along the offensive line ... has excellent size and athletic ability ... son of former Buffalo Bills tight end Keith McKeller ... ESPNU lists McKeller as the No. 30 offensive tackle nationally ... ranked as the No. 43 prospect in the nation at offensive guard by Scout.com ... listed by Rivals.com as the No. 58 offensive tackle and the No. 47 player on the Georgia Postseason Top 75 ... an Atlanta Journal-Constitution Georgia Top 150 selection ... Class AAAA first-team Georgia Sports Writers Association All-State ... earned a three-star rating from both Rivals.com and Scout.com ... SuperPrep Magazine lists him as the No. 42 player in the state of Georgia ... 2008 first-team 4A All-State selection by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution ... coached by Clint Satterfield at Jonesboro High School ... chose the Crimson Tide over Georgia, Georgia Tech, Clemson, Auburn and Mississippi State.

[Alasippi]

This kid has a combination of raw talent and great character.

Character translates into work ethic. Combine those three assets and I'd bet this kid sees more playing time than has been predicted. It might take a year or two but I see him helping us.

I don't think Saban recruits anyone who won't contribute eventually. He's simply too selective andtoo good of a talent judge.

[runtheoption22]

	Quote:	Alasippi
	This kid has a combination of raw talent and great character. Character translates into work ethic. Combine those three assets and I'd bet this kid sees more playing time than has been predicted. It might take a year or two but I see him helping us. I don't think Saban recruits anyone who won't contribute eventually. He's simply too selective andtoo good of a talent judge.

You are right. McKeller has the frame to build a great right tackle or even left guard. It's just going to take a couple of years.