Keon Sabb details decision to sign with the Michigan Wolverines

ORLANDO – There was no shortage of interest for those following Keon Sabb’s recruitment in the weeks leading up to his signing day.

The now Michigan signee took an unofficial visit to Ann Arbor in the final weekend of November while still committed to Clemson. A Tigers pledge taking a visit elsewhere is not something that is seen often – if at all – in a recruiting cycle.

Just over a week later – following the departure of Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables – Sabb reopened his recruitment on Dec. 6. Nine days later, he signed his Letter of Intent to play for Michigan at the next level.

“Me and my family came up with a business decision,” Sabb told On3 after the Saturday portion of Under Armour All-American week. “It’s a lot of things that went into the decommitment; not just Venables leaving. But that was a big part as well.

“We just felt like Michigan was the best place for me, fit-wise. Clemson, after some stuff happened, we just figured that wasn’t the best fit for me.”

Relationships, New Jersey connections played a role for Sabb

Sabb’s visit to Ann Arbor was a multi-day trip that facilitated conversations with coaches and players throughout the weekend. It also just so happened to coincide with Michigan’s 42-27 victory over Ohio State at The Big House.

This was one of the most important wins for the Wolverines in recent memory, but Sabb noted that it didn’t heavily factor into his decision.

“Most people think after that game, I saw it and committed,” Sabb said. “If they would’ve lost the game, I would have still figured it out and came to Michigan. One game doesn’t really affect who I am and where I want to go to school. That game atmosphere was crazy. It was one of the best games I’ve ever been to.”

In fact, the first thing Sabb cited when explaining his decision was Michigan’s success in New Jersey. Sabb, who played for IMG Academy but is originally from Glassboro (New Jersey), talked about their recruiting presence in his home state.

“They got a lot of Jersey guys on the team,” Sabb said. “Brad [Hawkins], R.J. [Moten]. They had Cesar Ruiz, who went to IMG. He went to Michigan a couple of years back and now he’s on the Saints. They’ve got a really good Jersey tradition there, and I want to keep that going.”

Michigan staff members Steve Clinkscale and Ron Bellamy also helped to win Sabb over.

“I’ve been talking with them for a while,” Sabb said. “They’ve got a good relationship with my family. Knowing my dad previously. It’s definitely a big thing with them knowing my family, and recruiting me as well as my family.”

Reaction to Michigan’s loss on Friday, goals in college

Jim Harbaugh and company helped lead Michigan to their best win total since 1997. In fact, the team had more wins this season – 12 – than they had in their previous 21 games – 11.

This great year, however, came to an end yesterday with an 11-34 loss to Georgia in the Orange Bowl.

Sabb shared with us his reaction to Michigan’s loss on Friday.

“One game isn’t going to affect too much,” Sabb said. “I wasn’t there on the team to make a big effect on it. That doesn’t really me bother me too much. Just looking forward to next year and being able to make a big impact on the program.”

Speaking of looking forward to next year, Sabb listed out some individual and team goals he’s hoping to accomplish during his time in Ann Arbor.

“Definitely want to be a Freshman All-American,” Sabb said. “Six picks a year. Six picks-plus. Seven is that big ball hawk number. Trying to go down in the history of college football for most interceptions. And definitely win a national championship. That’s the biggest thing, for sure.”