Keith Abney II

NFL Scouting Report: Keith Abney II

Name: Keith Abney II

Position: Cornerback

School: Arizona State

Class: Junior

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 190 lbs

Archetype: Sticky Man-Cover Corner / Versatile Zone Defender

College Career Summary

Keith Abney II arrived at Arizona State as a late flip from Utah State and quickly established himself as a high-IQ defender. After playing a rotational role as a true freshman in 2023, he broke out as a sophomore in 2024, leading the Sun Devils to a College Football Playoff appearance. By 2025, he was recognized as one of the premier "shutdown" corners in the Big 12, earning First-team All-Big 12 honors. He is known for his transition from track-star speed to refined technical coverage, often drawing the opponent's toughest receiving assignments.

Career Stats Highlights

• 2023: 8 games, 2 tackles, 1 INT (vs. Oregon).

• 2024: 14 games, 52 tackles, 9 Pass Breakups, 3 INTs.

• 2025: 12 games, 44 tackles (36 solo), 12 Pass Breakups, 2 INTs, 1 Sack.

• Advanced: Credited with an elite 90.7 PFF run-defense grade in 2024; forced 11 incompletions in the 2024 season.

2025 Game-by-Game Grades

Grades based on statistical impact, coverage consistency, and coaching praise.

Date	Opponent	Grade	Key Note
08/30	Northern Arizona	B+	Quiet night; completely erased his side of the field.
09/06	@ Mississippi St	B	Solid in run support (3 tackles); tight coverage in loss.
09/13	Texas State	A-	4 pass breakups; elite "shutdown" performance.
09/20	@ Baylor	A	Key INT and high-leverage "sticky" man coverage.
09/26	TCU	B+	Limited explosive plays against a dangerous WR corps.
10/11	@ Utah	C+	Tough outing for the whole unit in a blowout loss.
10/18	Texas Tech	A-	Forced a fumble and provided consistent blanket coverage.
10/25	Houston	B-	7 tackles (career high); busy in run support but no PDs.
11/01	@ Iowa State	A-	2 PDs; pivotal in narrow road victory.
11/15	West Virginia	A	1 INT, 2 PDs; statistically one of his best games.
11/22	@ Colorado	B+	Disciplined against high-volume passing attack; 1 PD.
11/28	Arizona	B	4 tackles; stayed steady despite team offensive struggles.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Elite "Sticky" Man Coverage: Rare ability to mirror and match receivers through the break.

• High Football IQ: Noted by coaches for his "Barrett Honors" intelligence and film study habits.

• Run Support: Exceptional tackler for his size; low missed-tackle percentage (7-12% range).

• Ball Production: Consistent ability to disrupt the catch point (12 PDs in 2025).

• Versatility: Proven experience at outside boundary corner, with flashes in the slot.

Weaknesses:

• Recovery Speed: While he has track speed, he can occasionally struggle if beaten initially at the line.

• Physical Profile: Listed at 190 lbs, but some scouts view his frame as "light," raising durability concerns.

• Technical Lapses: Has a habit of becoming flat-footed in off-coverage when reading releases.

• Length: Questions remain about his official arm length and how it will fare against NFL-sized "X" receivers.

Scheme Fit & Comparison

• Scheme Fit: Best suited for a Man-Heavy/Press system or a Match-Zone scheme where his instincts can shine. His willingness to tackle also makes him a candidate for a "Star" or "Nickel" role.

• NFL Comparison: Trent McDuffie (KC Chiefs). Like McDuffie, Abney lacks elite "prototypical" size but compensates with elite instincts, "sticky" coverage, and high-level run defense.

Scout's Final Word & Projection

Final Word: Keith Abney II is the definition of a "climber." He has evolved from a three-star recruit into a technically sound, ball-hawking corner. While he doesn't possess the towering frame of some modern corners, his "sticky" coverage metrics and elite PFF grades against the run make him a safe, high-floor prospect. He is a high-IQ defender who will likely contribute on special teams immediately while pushing for a starting role.

Projection: Top 50 Pick (Day 2). Likely a late 1st or early 2nd round selection.