He watched confetti fall in colors of maize and blue to end 2023 as Michigan won the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Jim Harbaugh left for another shot at the National Football League, several players departed for the NFL Draft, and a few chose to test the NCAA transfer portal waters. He could have remained with the Wolverines, but there was a school in the Southeastern Conference that felt more like home to Keon Sabb. A New Jersey native, Sabb collected 28 tackles, five pass breakups, two interceptions, and a pick-six last season. He made the move to be part of the Crimson Tide’s culture in spring football, learning from veterans Malachi Moore and DeVonta Smith. Sabb makes up one-half of a dynamic safety tandem in college football.
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The 6-foot-1, 206-pounder brings championship experience and leadership needed in the secondary.
What should excite Alabama fans the most is his reason behind choosing the Tide in the portal. He unveiled an incredible response to the media after Tuesday’s practice.
“It was how hard they [Alabama] fought,” Sabb said. “That was our toughest game last year for sure, and they got us to the end. I definitely could see how passionate those guys were about playing football.”
Alabama was Michigan’s toughest matchup in the Rose Bowl.
The game was close from start to finish, but mental mistakes allowed the Wolverines to come away with a 27-20 victory in overtime. Sabb had his celebratory moment of beating the Tide; however, his focus has shifted to helping Alabama capture a national title. Colin Hitschler, Alabama’s co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach, loves what the transfer brings to the room.
“Any time you have the confidence from being a starter and impact player on a national championship team, you know, you are going to carry yourself well,” Hitschler said about Sabb.
“He came in here and carried himself well in the spring. What you love about Keon is he works so hard, and the guys love and respect him. Once guys start to love and respect you, you will become more vocal. Everyone is going to listen to him because he does the right things every day.”
Alabama fans are ready to see Sabb lead its secondary to a dynamic year.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
