It did not take long for Alabama football fans to get over the loss of Caleb Downs to Ohio State.
Downs left via the NCAA transfer portal after a sensational freshman season, but Kalen DeBoer found a more than worthy replacement at free safety. Keon Sabb, a transfer from Michigan, fits the Crimson Tide’s defense. Fans were overjoyed to watch him record two interceptions in his debut last week against Western Kentucky at Bryant-Denny Stadium. He nearly scored on one of his takeaways, but Sabb was marquee in Alabama’s 63-0 impressive victory in DeBoer’s debut as the Tide’s head coach.
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Alabama is thrilled to have the New Jersey native, and he earned Defensive Player of the Week honors from the Southeastern Conference.
Jim Nagy, the senior executive director for the Reese’s Senior Bowl, had high praises for Sabb.
He was one of 19 Crimson Tide players on a watchlist for the Senior Bowl and earned Defensive Player of the Week from Nagy and his staff.
Nagy said Sabb has a ‘ball-hawking nature’ that is similar to former Tide standouts, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Eddie Jackson.
📈The offseason loss of Caleb Downs stung @AlabamaFTBL fans but credit Kalen DeBoer’s staff for acquiring a more than viable replacement in junior FS Keon Sabb.
Former Michigan 4-star immediately made his presence felt last Saturday with two first quarter INTs that set tone for… https://t.co/vthHlV9dcJ pic.twitter.com/FuZkMDJa80
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) September 3, 2024
Jackson led Alabama for interceptions in 2015 (six), pacing the team to a College Football Playoff National Championship. Fitzpatrick had a team-high six interceptions in 2016, propelling Alabama to an SEC Championship and a College Football Playoff National Championship Game berth.
He was one of the leaders on the Tide’s impressive 2016 defense.
Jackson and Fitzpatrick were selected in the National Football League Draft.
Both are still in the league.
Sabb takes his talents to BDS again on Saturday to face South Florida.
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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.
