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The Tuscaloosa News
Why did Keon Sabb transfer to Alabama? Former Michigan S making early impression
- Story byThe Tuscaloosa News
- Why did Keon Sabb transfer to Alabama? Former Michigan S making early impression
Keon Sabb didn't take long to introduce himself to Alabama football fans.
In the Crimson Tide 's first three defensive drives Saturday night vs. Western Kentucky , Sabb picked off Hilltoppers quarterback TJ Finley twice — quite a first introduction for the former Michigan safety.
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His first came at the 10:48 mark of the first quarter and set up the first touchdown of the Kalen DeBoer era in Tuscaloosa, a 12-yard rushing touchdown by Jalen Milroe .
REQUIRED READING: Alabama football vs Western Kentucky score today: Live updates, highlights from Week 1 game
Here's a look at Sabb's second interception which came at the 6:32 mark of the first quarter and returned 64 yards to the Western Kentucky 26-yard line. He nearly came up with his third interception of the first half towards the end of the first quarter.
And so, as Sabb starts to make his name known in Tuscaloosa, curiosity has risen about where did he transfer from, and how he landed on Alabama 's roster for the 2024 season. With that, here's a look back on what led him to transferring to the Crimson Tide this past offseason:
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Where did Keon Sabb transfer from?
Sabb transferred from Michigan over the offseason, where he helped the Wolverines to the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship title.
Why did Keon Sabb transfer to Alabama?
While the transfer portal window was closed by the time Sabb entered it on Feb. 16, he was able to enter his name into the portal due to Jim Harbaugh leaving Michigan for the NFL and the Los Angeles Chargers . NCAA transfer portal rules state a 30-day transfer portal window opens after a head coaching change.
Moreover, Sabb's positional coach, Steve Clinkscale, did not stay in Ann Harbor after last season to be part of Sherrone Moore's new staff. He instead joined Harbaugh in Los Angeles with the Chargers.
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Sabb committed to Alabama on Feb. 19, 2024. Per his 247Sports Composite ranking profile page, Sabb was listed as a four-star recruit and ranked the No. 5 safety in the transfer portal this season.
"At this time I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone who has supported me during my time at the University of Michigan," Sabb wrote in his social media post. "To Coaches Harbaugh, Minter, Clinkscale, Moore, Jay, Herb and the entire support staff. My brothers and teammates who I have much respect for, my professors, the entire student body and the incredible alumni.
"Michigan is a very special place and I will always cherish the time that I spent here and the historic run that I got to be a part of. Thank you!! Go Blue!!"
Keon Sabb stats at Michigan
In 18 career games, Sabb had 28 total tackles, one tackle for loss, two interceptions (one returned for a score) and six passes defended. In just a single half of play at Alabama, he has already matched his interception total.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Why did Keon Sabb transfer to Alabama from Michigan? What to know
