Keeling Signs With Royals Men's Tennis

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - The Royals Mens Tennis program made their first addition to their 2021 recruiting class by signing Franklin Central senior Jacob Keeling. 

Keeling will be able to come in and immediately make an impact for the Royals, especially on the doubles court.  In high school, Keeling finished his career with 52 wins, was named a 4-time All Bi-County Doubles team, a 4- time Sectional Champion, and a runner up finish in this year's Regional Final.  These accomplishments also helped his team three-peat as Conference Champions.  High school coach Chris Webb commented on Jacob saying, "Jacob is an excellent leader and role model for his teammates both on and off the tennis court.  As a player he brings a lot of power with his 6'6 frame, hitting big and getting into the net."  

In addition to the tennis courts Jacob is excited to get on Johnson's campus where he plans to study preaching and ministry.  According to Jacob, "I picked Johnson because Johnson is a college that when you step foot on campus, everyone makes you feel like you're at home and makes you feel a part of their family.  I also picked Johnson because I believe that Johnson will prepare me to go into ministry and I will be able to make an impact on people's lives."  Jacob's high school coach Webb described Jacob as an "Incredible young man who has battled through some adversity, not using it as an excuse but always as motivation on the court and in ministry." 

Johnson head coach Seth Hale summarized Keeling's addition by saying, "Jacob is going to be a great addition to both our campus and tennis program. He fits in with the campus culture and his aggressive game matches up with my coaching style.  I am really excited to see what he is able to do in a Royals uniform."