Kalen DeBoer explains what attracted Alabama to Michigan transfer Keon Sabb

Even if Nick Saban had remained at Alabama, the secondary was going to need some work. So while Kalen DeBoer was putting his program together, he went into the NCAA transfer portal and snagged Keon Sabb from Michigan. Sabb was on the move following a coaching change of his own with Jim Harbaugh leaving for the NFL.

After just one spring practice, DeBoer can already tell Sabb is going to be a significant addition for the Crimson Tide. He has not been on campus for too long but the defensive back does have something in his back pocket most in Tuscaloosa do not.

“You bring a guy like him in to be an impact player for you,” DeBoer said. “His experiences, not just each and every play, but also the experiences and leadership as he’s here longer and longer that we would expect from him because of the level that he took his team to — winning a championship. That fits in well with what we’re trying to accomplish and what we’re trying to do.”

DeBoer got to experience facing Sabb firsthand, playing Michigan in the national championship game while with Washington. Sabb finished with a career-high six tackles against the Huskies while also having two pass breakups in coverage — his best mark of the 2023 season.

Alabama took a hit at the safety position when Caleb Downs left following Saban’s retirement. Sabb may not have the same impact as Downs, who was an All-American as a true freshman. But DeBoer seems confident Sabb’s experience at Michigan will translate well.

It’s one of the main reasons he was attracted to bringing him into the program.

“The character makeup aside from what we know is a great football player, he’s just a really good fit for us,” DeBoer said. “It’s been a pleasure getting to know him more each and every day. Just seeing how he’s operating. Right now, he’s just going about his work but you can tell he’s got that ‘It’ factor. He’s got the leadership piece within him to where I know we’re going to be counting on him this fall.”

The On3 Industry 2024 Transfer Portal rankings had Sabb as the No. 33 overall player this cycle and the No. 3 safety. Early returns are showing that Sabb is already living up to the ranking and will find a way to be a key member of Alabama’s 2024 squad.