Southern Miss Defensive End Zachariah Keith Returns After Two-Year Injury Absence
HATTIESBURG, Miss. — University of Southern Mississippi defensive end Zachariah Keith is set to return to the football field for the first time since 2022, after overcoming significant injuries, according to school officials.
Keith, a Douglasville, Georgia, native, suffered a neck injury during a preseason practice at West Virginia University in 2023. He described the recovery process as challenging, saying it took nearly two years to rehab and regain his strength.
“It was very hard. I came in as a four-star recruit and was expected to play, but everything was stripped from me,” Keith said. While working his way back, he returned to Georgia and caught the attention of Southern Miss recruiters during a high school training session. He eventually signed with the Golden Eagles and arrived in Hattiesburg last fall.
Keith sat out the 2025 season to continue his rehabilitation and put on more than 40 pounds, increasing from 240 to 280 pounds. His transformation involved rigorous training with Southern Miss strength and conditioning coach Matt Shadeed, focusing on muscle development, especially in his legs and core.
His comeback faced another obstacle when he tore a pectoral muscle during spring 2026 training, which sidelined him for the spring. Despite the setback, Keith recovered and participated in fall camp with a renewed determination. He has been running with the first-team defense as the season opener approaches.
“I’ve dreamed about this since I was a kid, and it was taken from me my freshman year,” Keith said. “I’ve just kept going, no matter what, even in the face of adversity.”
Southern Miss defensive line coach Jerone Steckel praised Keith’s progress, noting his physicality and pass-rushing ability. The team has not officially released its depth chart but reports indicate Keith has moved up to the starting lineup.
Keith emphasized his readiness and enthusiasm for Saturday’s game against Alcorn State, expressing gratitude for overcoming his injuries and returning to play the sport he loves.
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