Michigan transfer Keon Sabb to contribute at …

Kalen DeBoer hopes to cultivate “championship habits” in Tuscaloosa. In many respects, the 2024 Alabama football squad is linked to winning championships.

DeBoer began his coaching career by building an NAIA powerhouse at Sioux Falls. And now, not only is DeBoer in the office of former Alabama coach and six-time national championship winner Nick Saban, but the Tide are also welcoming a player from the defending national champions.

Michigan transfer Keon Sabb should play an important part in Alabama’s secondary in spring. Except for Malachi Moore, the Tide must replace all of its starting defensive backs.

Sabb and fellow transfer Domani Jackson (Southern California) will fill the void left by exceptional freshman Caleb Downs and a pair of high NFL draft prospects, Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold.

DeBoer addressed Sabb’s appearance at his first spring press conference on Monday:

“You bring in a player like that to make an impression for you. Aside from being a terrific football player, his character makeup makes him an excellent fit for us.

It’s been a delight getting to know him better every day, just observing how he operates. Right now, he’s simply doing his job, but you can tell he has that it-factor and leadership ability within him, and we’ll be counting on him come fall.”

Alabama lost a total of eight defensive backs. Sabb, like Downs, entered the gateway after his head coach left. Sherrone Moore, the University of Michigan’s offensive coordinator, has been promoted to replace Jim Harbaugh. Sabb has three years of eligibility left.

Sabb had two pass breakups and six tackles against DeBoer’s Washington in the College Football Playoff final. Sabb had 28 tackles and two interceptions during his 18 games at Michigan. Sabb will wear No. 3 for the Crimson Tide.