Skip to main content
michigan logo

Things are 'starting to click' for Keon Sabb, who's a big part of Michigan's present and future

Anthony Broomeby:Anthony Broome•09/20/23•

anthonytbroome

Keon Sabb
(Photo by Lon Horwedel / TheWolverine.com)

The Michigan Wolverines have been banged up in the secondary to start the 2023 season, but that has created more opportunities for others to get their feet wet on defense. Nobody has embodied that more than sophomore defensive back Keon Sabb, who has started the first three games of the year.

There was an open spot in Michigan’s safety rotation once RJ Moten transferred out this spring, but opportunities became more plentiful with Rod Moore and Makari Paige working through injuries. For Sabb, things are starting to slow down as he rounds into form.

He figures to be a big part of the future, but the more he plays, the more he factors into the present, too.

“I think the film watch is pretty much the same, but now it’s starting to click for me, I’m starting to understand things more,” Sabb said on Tuesday night. “I think it’s more about reps, the first time seeing things. I don’t really understand it as much, but now I’m seeing it over time, and getting the experience to play is making it a better transition for me.”

Moore is considered one of Michigan’s resident film junkies and one of the team’s best-prepared defenders. Without him out there, he has had to revert to being a coach of sorts. Sabb has picked up a few things from him.

“I’ve learned a lot,” Sabb said. “He’s taught me so much, just like Makari and a lot of the older other safeties and older DBs. They’ve taught me like a lot of stuff out there, like certain things to look for in tendencies and things like that. Just can’t wait for him to get back out there.”

Sabb weighs in on Michigan’s future

Sabb came in as part of Michigan’s 2022 recruiting class, which ranked 9th nationally via the On3 Industry Rating. The group included five-star corner Will Johnson, fellow four-star safety Zeke Berry and others.

Johnson has already worked his way into a starting role when healthy, while Sabb has been thrown into the fire early this season. Berry is also expected to play a role for Michigan upon his return to good health.

The Wolverines’ young core of defensive backs hopes to continue paving their way into being lynchpins of the defense.

“We were looking at it as there is no limit, not even the sky can be the limit,” Sabb said about the 2022 class’ collective mindset. “We’ve got so much talent on our team and in our class. We just look at it as making sure we take advantage of this opportunity we have with the guys we have together. Because we can be special.”

Of course, there are also plenty of freshmen defensive backs on the current roster that will factor in. Sabb was in their shoes last year and thinks the young Michigan defenders should keep grinding.

“I know it can be hard your freshman year coming in,” Sabb said. “You’re not the guy right now. You’re still learning. Stuff’s not really clicking for you. But just stay consistent. And your time will come, and it will come fast.

“That entire class with DJ [Waller]. Brandyn Hillman, Jyiare [Hill] and Cameron [Calhoun]. They’re a really good group, and once they get their turn, they’re gonna be really special.”

You may also like