Alabama reserve safety prepared to impact Crimson Tide’s defense at a ‘high level’ with Keon Sabb out

Alabama’s defensive secondary will be without Keon Sabb for a while at safety.

He suffered a lower body injury against Tennessee, and some have reported it to be a broken foot. Sabb, a transfer from the University of Michigan, has two interceptions on the season.

He has played through some pain, but the New Jersey native has been a warrior on defense.

Crimson Tide fans want a smooth recovery for him, but they are excited about the next man up.

Bray Hubbard, a second-year player from Ocean Springs, Miss., is the guy.

A former four-star in the 2023 recruiting class, Hubbard was an electric athlete. Kane Wommack, Alabama’s defensive coordinator, was pleased with how Hubbard step in after Sabb went down versus the Volunteers and played well.

The Tide suffered a 17-24 loss last week, yet the young safety was prepared to be impactful.

“I thought Bray really did some great things in the game,” Wommack said Monday. “Obviously, he had the a huge third down stop when we needed to go three-and-out and get the ball back to our offense. He made a helluva play and did some good things in the game.”

Wommack said young players in Alabama’s secondary have a sense of urgency. 

They practice and play with a next man up mentality, understanding they have a chance at any moment to impact a game. Wommack said Hubbard has a ‘workmanlike’ attitude that helps him practice at a high level. The 6-foot-2, 204-pounder gave his all and was respect for it.

Hubbard finished the matchup with nine total tackles (second on team), including a team-high five solo stops.

He is the guy at free safety moving forward for the Tide with Sabb recovering from injury.