What does the addition of former Michigan safety Keon Sabb mean for Alabama?

The University of Alabama football program found its replacement for Caleb Downs in the secondary.

Aaron Suttles of Yea Alabama, the official NIL entity for Crimson Tide athletics, reported Monday night that former Michigan safety Keon Sabb has enrolled in school for the Tide and chose Alabama out of the NCAA transfer portal.

Sabb, a rising junior, helped the Wolverines to a Big Ten Championship and a College Football Playoff National Championship last season.

He assisted Michigan to a 27-20 overtime victory over Alabama in the Rose Bowl Game. Sabb totaled 28 tackles, five pass breakups, and two interceptions — including one for a touchdown — in 2023. A New Jersey native, Sabb played in 18 games during his career with the Wolverines.

He started four matchups at safety, so he has some growing to continue at the position.

The 6-foot-1, 208-pounder possesses the size, ball skills, and coverage ability to fit into the Kane Wommack 4-2-5 “Swarm Defense” for the Crimson Tide. Sabb adds big-game experience to Alabama’s secondary, joining Malachi Moore.

The Tide lost Terrion Arnold, Kool-Aid McKinstry, and Jaylen Key to the upcoming NFL Draft. It also had several names to transfer out, including Caleb Downs, Antonio Kite, Dezz Ricks, Jameer Grimsley (four-star athlete), Trey Amos, and Jake Pope.

Sabb has an opportunity with Domani Jackson (transfer cornerback from USC) to come in start for Alabama. If he earns a starting role, Sabb and DeVonta Smith (returning defensive back) would anchor both safety spots. Tony Mitchell, a former five-star in the 2023 class, would have more time to develop. Mitchell will push to try to beat out Sabb, but it will be very interesting.

Alabama needs quality experience on the back end, and that is what Sabb will provide.