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Kirby Smart Raves About 'Hard to Move' Alabama Star Georgia Tried Recruiting

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lorenzo J. Reyna | Last updated Sep 23, 2025 11:30 PM ET

The Georgia Bulldogs will rekindle their rivalry with Alabama Saturday. Which even involves Kirby Smart and his staff game-planning against Crimson Tide talent Georgia tried nabbing on the recruiting trail.

Particularly a "hard to move" star Smart and Georgia must see again.

Georgia will already have its hands full with star wide receivers Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard. But the Bulldogs must get their hands dirty for another "explosive" talent described by Smart.

His Bulldogs must counter powerful nose tackle Tim Keenan once again, who Smart glowingly spoke about with reporters Tuesday.

"He's a tremendous player," Smart began. "He's explosive. He's quick, twitchy, disruptive, hard to move."

The defensive guru notices Keenan doesn't attack from one spot either.

"They move him around. He plays in different fronts in four down and I've known Tim for a long time. He's a good football player," Smart said.

Georgia Once Sent Multiple Coaches to Land Tim Keenan

The native of Birmingham, Al., was once a big priority on the recruiting trail for Smart's Bulldogs.

So much so, that Smart sent multiple staff members to pursue the massive 6-foot-2, 320-pound standout.

Smart had defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann and defensive line coach Tray Scott running point on Keenan's recruitment out of Ramsay High.

Keenan compiled 36 career tackles behind the line of scrimmage while adding 16 sacks. He additionally forced six fumbles with his powerful arms and strength.

Freddie Roach and Karl Scott, though, tag teamed for Alabama in winning over Keenan. Roach remains with the Crimson Tide, as he was retained by Kalen DeBoer in 2024. Scott since moved on to the Seattle Seahawks.

Will Tim Keenan Play vs. Georgia?

Keenan joins Jam Miller in making their 2025 season debuts Saturday, per ESPN college football reporter Andrea Adelson.

The interior defender Keenan injured his ankle on the eve of the season opener at Florida State. He never saw the field as Tommy Castellanos and the Seminoles ran over 'Bama in the upset.

Keenan ended up needing "tightrope" surgery on his ankle. But will be good to go in the battle of Southeastern Conference heavyweights.

He'll bring 79 career tackles, 33 solo stops and 3.5 sacks in tow to Athens.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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