Kenny Dillingham raves about freshman Keith Abney II

TEMPE, Ariz. — Fall camp is complete for Kenny Dillingham and Arizona State, and certain players left their mark. One of those players was Keith Abney II, a freshman from Texas. Abney II is a defensive back but was a two-way standout in high school. It’s hard to make an impact in college football as a true freshman, but he’s on his way.

Kenny Dillingham praises Keith Abney II

After the first regular practice of the season, Dillingham conducted his normal routine of speaking to the media.

“Keith Abney (II), you talk about a dude who showed up,” Dillingham said. “And we’re like ‘okay a freshman, who knows what he’s gonna do’ and crap, we need him. He’s a necessary piece of who we are right now.”

That’s extremely high praise for an incoming freshman. The adjustment from high school football to college football is huge, even in Texas, and Abney II has been handling it well.

“I feel like everybody is on the same level, like in high school you can get away with a lot of raw talent,” Abney II said. “Here everybody is that good, your technique has to be on point every play.”

Abney II is certainly a guy with a lot of raw talent. In his 25-game varsity career, he finished with over 1,000 all-purpose yards and 20 tackles. His senior year is where he shined. On the defensive side of the ball, Abney II had two interceptions, one fumble recovery, eight tackles, and a pass deflection. Offensively he hauled in 19 receptions for 396 yards and six touchdowns.

The Texan also ran track and was pretty fast. He clocked in at 11.10 in the 100-meter dash in the spring of his junior year.

With a combination of talent and technique, Abney II should excite Sun Devil fans. Likewise, the freshman can’t wait to start his collegiate career for the Sun Devils.

“It’ll feel like a dream really. Just seeing all the fans there coming out of the tunnel. It’ll be crazy,” Abney II said.

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