Alex Keith, a 6-foot-3, 235-pound defensive end from Columbia (MO) Hickman, has committed to Minnesota after received a scholarship offers earlier this week from the Gophers. GopherHole.com caught up with Kewpies head coach Arnel Monroe to learn more about his star’s decision.

Keith led Hickman to a 5-6 mark this season as they advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 2004. They lost to Francis Howell 31-0 in the playoffs a week after the Kewpies upset fourth-ranked Jefferson City 16-14. Keith had a 46-yard touchdown on a fumble recovery just 1:10 into the game.

Keith was a Class 6 second-team defensive lineman as a junior as he helped lead Hickman to a 6-4 record. He led the Kewpies in total tackles (75), sacks (7½), quarterback hurries (eight) and blocked kicks (four) and also forced three fumbles as a junior.

Keith also received scholarship offers from Missouri State and Northern Iowa.

GopherHole.com caught up with Kewpies head coach Arnel Monroe to learn more about his star’s decision.

GH: What was the main reason that Alex committed to Minnesota?

AK: I think it was their due diligence in coming down and seeing him play and contacting the schools. Making sure that they stayed in contact with me. They really did some due diligence. Coach Kill’s record at every level speaks for itself. He has been a winner at every level that he has been at. Minnesota is a team with the recent win over Illinois. They are a team that has some youth and is looking to change some things around. He just went through that. We revitalized our program here and got back into the playoffs after seven years, so that is what he is ready to do.

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