Keith Abney II: Arizona State's Rising Star in the Secondary

From Underrated Recruit to Defensive Cornerstone

Keith Abney II was one of head coach Kenny Dillingham's first recruits at Arizona State, symbolizing his deep loyalty to the program. Despite opportunities elsewhere, Abney committed to Dillingham's vision of rebuilding ASU from the ground up, choosing to be part of the foundational class that would redefine the Sun Devils' identity.

When Keith Abney II arrived at Arizona State, few outside of Tempe expected him to emerge as a defensive cornerstone. Yet, heading into the 2025 season, Abney has firmly positioned himself as one of the Sun Devils' most indispensable players. His combination of physical talent, football IQ, and emerging leadership is not only reshaping ASU's defense but also catching the attention of NFL scouts.

Keith Abney II as a Freshman under Kenny Dillingham as one of Kenny's first recruits

Breakout 2024 Season

In 2024, Abney made a significant leap. After seeing limited action as a freshman, he earned a starting role and made an immediate impact. Over 14 games, he recorded 52 tackles, with 34 of those being solo stops. His ability to break up plays was evident as he notched nine passes defended and came away with three interceptions. More impressively, his contributions weren’t limited to the stat sheet. Pro Football Focus awarded him the team's highest run-defense grade, a testament to his physicality and instinctive play near the line of scrimmage.

Abney’s presence at boundary corner significantly strengthened a Sun Devil secondary that had struggled with consistency in previous seasons. His ability to lock down opposing receivers, while also providing support in run defense, made him a true every-down asset. As ASU transitioned into Big 12 play, facing high-octane offenses became a weekly challenge. Abney’s versatility allowed the Sun Devils to adapt, giving defensive coordinator Brian Ward a reliable chess piece to deploy against the conference's explosive passing attacks.

Keith Abney II breaks on a WR to secure a tackle in game vs Mississippi St @ Mountain America Stadium in 2024

Expectations for 2025: A Breakout Year

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, expectations for Abney are sky-high. Projected to increase his tackle total to around 60-65 and add another four or more interceptions, he is poised to elevate his game further. With a full offseason dedicated to refining his technique and film study, Abney is determined to sharpen his ball skills and enhance his ability to read quarterbacks. His growth trajectory suggests that 2025 could be the year he cements himself as a true shutdown corner.

Dec 7, 2024; Arlington, TX, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Keith Abney II (1) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Iowa State Cyclones in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Leadership on and off the Field

Beyond his on-field production, Abney’s leadership qualities are beginning to shine. Teammates and coaches alike speak highly of his work ethic and maturity. In interviews, he often emphasizes the importance of team culture and accountability. He has embraced a mentorship role, guiding younger defensive backs and setting the standard in practice. For a program aiming to rebuild its defensive identity, having a player like Abney leading from the front is invaluable.

NFL Draft Potential and Team Fits

Abney’s emerging profile hasn’t gone unnoticed by NFL talent evaluators. Though he remains a junior in eligibility, his name has started surfacing in early 2026 NFL Draft discussions. Draft analysts view him as a potential Day 2 selection, with teams valuing his instincts, physicality, and high football character. Franchises like the Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, and Baltimore Ravens have been mentioned as potential fits, particularly those seeking versatile corners who can thrive in both man and zone schemes.

Keith Abney II celebrates a n INT vs Iowa State in the Big XII Title Game

NFL Comparison: Desmond Trufant Meets Xavien Howard

When projecting Abney’s game to the professional level, his style draws comparisons to NFL veterans Desmond Trufant and Xavien Howard. Like them, Abney combines sharp route recognition with a nose for the football. His 5-foot-11, 195-pound frame, complemented by his track background, gives him the athletic profile to match up against a variety of NFL receivers. What sets him apart is his tenacity; Abney plays with a chip on his shoulder, a trait that will undoubtedly serve him well as he climbs draft boards.

The Road Ahead

In summary, Keith Abney II represents the next wave of Arizona State defenders ready to make their mark on the national stage. His 2024 campaign showcased his playmaking ability and reliability in high-pressure situations. With an expanded role in 2025, he is poised not only to lead ASU’s secondary but also to position himself as one of the top defensive back prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. For a player once overlooked, the future now looks incredibly bright.