Keenyi Pepe

Physical Profile

Pepe possesses a massive, college-ready frame, listed at 6-foot-7 and weighing between 320-330 pounds. Despite his immense size, he is a fluid athlete who is quick out of his stance and shows impressive lateral mobility. His long arms are a significant asset in pass protection, allowing him to extend and keep edge rushers at bay. He exhibits good bend and body control for a player of his stature, though he can continue to refine his footwork to handle elite speed rushers.

Play Style

On film, Pepe is a dominant and technically sound left tackle. In pass protection, he uses a smooth and patient approach, extending his long arms to control defenders and demonstrating the agility to handle counter-moves. In the run game, he is a mauler who gets quick movement off the line of scrimmage, effectively engages defenders at the second level, and shows a persistent leg drive to create running lanes. He plays with a high motor and a nasty disposition, frequently pancaking opponents.

Strengths

• Possesses a rare combination of size and athleticism, moving exceptionally well for a 6-foot-7, 320-pound lineman, which allows him to effectively block in space and mirror pass rushers.
• Demonstrates advanced technique in pass protection, utilizing a smooth kick slide and maintaining excellent posture and balance in his sets. He has proven his ability against blue-chip pass rushers in showcase events like the Under Armour All-America Game.
• A powerful and tenacious run blocker who plays with a mean streak, consistently driving defenders off the ball and working to finish blocks to the ground.

Areas to Improve

• While his footwork is generally good, he can continue to improve his quickness and precision to more consistently handle elite speed rushers off the edge.
• As with most young offensive linemen, continued physical development in a college strength and conditioning program will be crucial to maximize his power and dominance at the point of attack.

College Projection

Pepe projects as an immediate impact player at the Power Five level and has the potential to be a multi-year starter at left tackle for USC. Having enrolled early, he is expected to compete for playing time as a true freshman. His combination of physical tools, technical refinement, and experience at a top high school program gives him a very high floor and an All-American ceiling.

NFL Outlook

Given his five-star status, prototypical measurables for an NFL left tackle, and steady development against elite competition, Pepe has a clear first-round NFL Draft potential. He has been compared to Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro tackle Jordan Mailata due to his size and athleticism. If he continues on his current trajectory and develops at the college level, he has all the tools to become a long-term starting tackle in the NFL.

Best Fit

A pass-heavy, pro-style offensive scheme that can take advantage of his elite pass-blocking skills would be an ideal fit. His athleticism also makes him a strong fit for zone-blocking schemes where he can get out in space and climb to the second level. His commitment to USC under Lincoln Riley, a coach known for explosive offenses, is a perfect match for his skill set.