Four-Star Defensive Tackle Aden Kelley Commits to Oklahoma State

It’s not too often an Oklahoma 1A football commitment is this big a deal.

Aden Kelley, a four-star defensive tackle, committed to Oklahoma State on Sunday, he announced via Twitter. Out of Thomas-Fay-Custer in western Oklahoma, Kelley has long been between OSU and TCU.

Committed?? pic.twitter.com/nmMbzloodZ

— Aden Kelley (@KelleyAden) July 19, 2020

Who Is He?

Kelley is listed at 6-foot-3, 275 pounds and plays offensive and defensive tackle for the Terriers.

Like most in OSU’s 2021 class, Kelley is a multisport athlete, also competing in basketball and shotput and discus at Thomas.

Kelley led the Terriers to an 9-5 record in 2019 and an appearance in the Class A quarterfinals.

Barton Simmons, a director of scouting at 247Sports, projects Kelley as a future Day 3 NFL Draft pick, comparing him to DaVon Hamilton of the Jacksonville Jaguars, a third-round pick out of Ohio State in the most recent draft.

“Thick, powerfully built defensive line prospect that has the versatility and the ability to project to either side of the ball. Sheds and locates effectively. Offers up strong initial punch. Can shrug off blockers with one arm. Plays with active feet and balance on both sides of the ball. Flashes penetrating burst. Outstanding basketball tape for a jumbo athlete showcasing plus agility, feet and coordination. Deceptive movement skills and athleticism. Competition clouds evaluation and allows him to play with limited knee bend and be successful. Has a body type and skill set that allows him to project to the offensive interior or defensive interior. Body type and upside seem to point towards defensive tackle where he has overall athleticism, natural strength and awareness to project to an impact power five starter with mid-round NFL Draft potential.” [247Sports]

Kyle Boone spoke with Kelley in May about his recruitment process, farming and the quarantine. Here is what Kelley said about the pitch OSU was making to him.

“Stay home and make an impact here in your own state,” Kelley said. “That’s the big thing they’ve pointed out, the big thing that’s made sense to me. To stay home and do something special.”

In the Rankings

Kelley is a three-star prospect in 247Sports’ composite ranking and listed as the No. 423 player in the 2021 class. That makes him 24th among defensive tackle prospects in the cycle.

247Sports’ own ranking is much higher on Kelley. That ranking lists him as the No. 183 player in the class and a four-star prospect.

Rivals and ESPN each rank him as a three-star prospect.

OSU’s 2021 Class

Kelley is the fourth-highest rated commit in OSU’s 2021 class to this point, coming in behind Bryson Green, Blaine Green and Collin Oliver.

Adding Kelley moves OSU’s 12-man 2021 class up to No. 5 in the Big 12 behind Texas, Oklahoma, Baylor and West Virginia. OSU’s class now ranks 43rd nationally, jumping up from 53rd.

Kelley is the sixth Oklahoman to commit to the Cowboys in 2021 and the fourth who plays defense.

This class is putting together a solid core. OSU now has five players in the top 500 of the composite ranking after having only one (Shane Illingworth) in the 2020 class.

Highlights