Blinksportsnews247The Michigan Wolverines have lost safety Keon Sabb to the transfer portal, marking their first significant loss of the offseason, according to numerous sources on Friday morning.
Former top-100 overall prospect Riley Sabb was forced to reconsider his commitment to play for the Clemson Tigers after defensive coordinator Brent Venebals accepted the head coaching position at Oklahoma. On the first day of the early signing period in December 2021, he made the decision to commit to the Wolverines and sign with them.
Why it matters so much and what it signifies
Sabb was thought to be the Wolverines’ next man up at safety. Naturally, Rod Moore and Makari Paige will return in 2024, but Sabb saw a lot of the pitch toward the end of the campaign when both players were producing strong football.
With 28 tackles last season—six of which came in the National Championship—0.5 sacks, four pass deflections, and two interceptions—one of which was recovered for a score against Minnesota—the sophomore truly came into his own.
What Comes Next?
Rod Moore, Makari Paige, Zeke Berry, Brandyn Hillman, and other players at safety will now lead Michigan into spring ball. Unless the new defensive backs coach at Michigan is able to persuade Sabb to stay at Michigan, that is.
According to reports, Stephen Adegoke was expected to be that guy, but he is currently with the Houston Texans. Sam Webb of The Michigan Insider ($) claims that Sherrone Moore’s next target is Lamar Morgan, the defensive coordinator at the University of Louisiana.
Morgan, who was a great safety for Louisiana from 2003 to 2007, went back to his home institution in 2022 to take on the role of defensive coordinator. Morgan’s defense finished in the top half of the Sun Belt Conference in total defense, and the team’s 15 interceptions were good for 14th place nationally, according to his profile on the University of Louisiana’s website. Five defense players were selected to the All-Sun Belt team, including Bralen Trahan, who had four interceptions and was among the top 25 nationally in the category, and Zi’Yon Hill-Green, who tied the school record for the most career sacks.
If Morgan is chosen to be Michigan’s next defensive backs coach, maybe these honors would persuade Sabb to at least think twice before he enters the portal. Losing coaches you know (Jesse Minter, Steve Clinkscale) is difficult, but it can also be comforting to have new coaches arrive who can continue Michigan’s defensive accomplishments.
This is a major setback for Michigan’s 2024 squad in the meantime. As new developments come in, we’ll update you.
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