UNC Football lands commitment from four-star Kaveion Keys

The UNC football program has added yet another commitment, as Kaveion Keys becomes the latest student-athlete to join the Tar Heels.

On Monday afternoon, the UNC football program’s “Jordan Year” recruiting class expanded to 18 student-athletes.

Four-star linebacker Kaveion Keys becomes the latest Class of 2023 prospect to commit to the Tar Heels. The Richmond, Virginia native chose North Carolina over programs such as Florida, Penn State, and Texas A&M.

This is a big-time addition for Mack Brown and company, as Keys is regarded as one of the top players in the state of Virginia. Currently, 247Sports Composite ranks Keys as the No. 5 rated player in his home state, while he’s viewed as the No. 21 overall linebacker prospect in the entire country.

To give you an idea of how athletic Keys is, he’s shown his versatility on the football field at Varina High School. Not only has he lined up at linebacker, but serves as a two-way player, seeing time as a wide receiver while filling in at multiple defensive positions as well.

Here’s what 247Sports National Recruiting Analyst Brian Dohn had to say in his recent evaluation of the newest Tar Heel:

"“Possesses frame to add 20-25 pounds and not lose agility, speed or quickness. Defensive leader for state title-winning team as junior. Productive two-way play who plays on edge of 3-4 defense. High-level athlete also plays receiver. Gets off quickly at snap. Shows quick hands to keep offensive linemen from getting inside. Can re-direct and move along line of scrimmage. Has speed to get around tackle on blitzes. Has burst to get across the face of offensive tackle. Plays with energy and effort, and is a competitor. Plays fast and is physical, especially when tackling through a ball carrier. Willing to fight through double teams. Athleticism shows when dropping into coverage. Fluid in change of direction to drives on ball. Pursues downhill in the flat and chases plays down from behind. Body control shines as a receiver when he adjusts to the ball and uses his size to shield defenders. Strong tackler in space. Uses length well when breaking down. Needs to continue to develop upper body strength to handle physical nature of college game in the box. Has some stack-and-shed ability but needs to continue to develop it. Working on anchoring against run important. Has to continue to work on on technique, including when turning and running laterally. Multi-year starter with possible early-impact ability for Top 20 program. Has NFL draft potential.”"

The Tar Heels have done well at the linebacker position during the Class of 2023 recruiting trail. With the addition of Keys, the UNC football program now has three linebacker prospects committed to a recruiting class that should move up from their current No. 20 overall spot in 247Sports latest overall team rankings.

Follow us @KeepingItHeel on Twitter and like our fan page on Facebook for continued coverage of UNC football news, updates, and recruiting.