Michigan defensive back Keon Sabb transferring to Alabama football
Alabama football finally benefited from a national championship-winning coach leaving his program and a quality piece entering the transfer portal.
On Monday night, UA’s name, image and likeness entity Yea Alabama reported that Michigan transfer Keon Sabb will be a part of Kalen DeBoer’s secondary this fall.
Sabb entered the portal on Feb. 16 after Jim Harbaugh departed for the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers. U-M had promoted Sherrone Moore to the top job shortly after Harbaugh left. Sabb is a native of New Jersey who developed into a four-star prospect at IMG (Fla.) Academy.
In two seasons, Sabb played in 18 games and recorded 28 tackles, including once against the Tide in the Rose Bowl. Sabb has two career interceptions, returning his first for a touchdown against Minnesota. He has three years of eligibility remaining. Sabb started the national championship game against Washington, he broke up two passes and tackled six Huskies.
Sabb’s impending arrival gives UA’s new defensive staff a veteran piece that likely will factor into the starting lineup. Sabb can play safety in Kane Wommack’s 4-2-5 scheme under defensive back coaches Maurice Linguist and Colin Hitschler.
UA lost eight defensive backs in the transfer portal, most deciding to leave Tuscaloosa following Nick Saban’s retirement on Jan. 10. The 17-year Tide coach was known for his relationship with defensive backs, including Shaun Alexander freshman of the year Caleb Downs. Alabama will also need to replace its two boundary cornerbacks with Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold off to the NFL.
During the Tide’s west coast trip, it courted and secured Southern California cornerback Domani Jackson. UA has brought in seven players via the portal this offseason, three coming from DeBoer’s former roster.
Alabama’s secondary options for this spring include Malachi Moore (52 tackles in 2023); Jackson (33 with the Trojans); DeVonta Smith (four); Bray Hubbard (one); Jahlil Hurley (redshirt) and first-year players Jaylen Mbakwe, Zavier Mincy and Zabien Brown.
