A growing pain or two may happen for Alabama’s secondary, but it will be a strength.
Kane Wommack has been impressed with the freshmen cornerbacks and those who transferred into the Crimson Tide from different schools. The 37-year-old feels ‘in his element’ as a defensive play caller, especially with the playmakers he has.
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He sees Malachi Moore, a fifth-year senior, as a ‘special communicator’ in the secondary. Moore, a team captain, is the engine behind the defense, but the Trussville (Ala.) now has help. Keon Sabb, a transfer from the University of Michigan, joins Moore with national championship experience.
The New Jersey native helped the Wolverines to a College Football Playoff national title in 2023, following a campaign of 28 tackles, five pass breakups, two interceptions, and an interception returned for a touchdown.
Sabb picked up the defense quickly in spring practice and has excelled since then.
Wommack puts Sabb on the same communication level as Moore, and that says a lot.
“I think he [Keon Sabb] has been phenomenal,” Wommack said Monday. “His ability … I mean I was so impressed from week one when he got here and we started doing walk throughs and meetings, his retention of our defense and now he’s starting to play with anticipation. He is communicating at a high level. If you can keep up with Malachi Moore, I think that’s a great job.”
Sabb not only makes life easier for Alabama’s secondary, but its linebackers too. Deontae Lawson, a redshirt junior, said Tuesday that he does not have to look back because he has all the trust in Moore and Sabb to make the calls.
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“Keon Sabb is a veteran,” Lawson said. “He has won a championship, he has been on a championship team, and he knows what it takes. So he is bringing everything he knows, adapting with us, and it has been great to have him.”
Sabb offers Coach Wommack another coach on the field for the defense.
Alabama fans want to see an elite defense, and Sabb looks to help bring it.
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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.
