Name: Keon Sabb
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 208 lbs.
High school: Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy
Position: Safety
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #3
Last year: I ranked Sabb #71 and said he would be a backup safety and special teamer (LINK). He played in four games.
TTB Rating: 84
Sabb maintained his redshirt last season after playing in just four games as a freshman. For better or worse, the one play that sticks out in my mind was when Hawaii running back Tylan Hines broke off a 54-yard touchdown late in the blowout and Sabb couldn't catch him. Hines is pretty speedy and quick at 5'7" and 175 lbs., so it's not a total disappointment that the 6'1", 200 lb. freshman Sabb couldn't keep pace, but it was a reminder that one of Sabb's limitations is his speed.
As for his strengths, Sabb is bigger and more physical than classmate Zeke Berry, which is why I rank Sabb slightly higher in the countdown. Both of them should get some seasoning in 2023, both on defense and on special teams. Sabb should back up Makari Paige at strong safety this year, and Paige may have a choice to make after the year about whether to stay for a fifth and final year or to make a run at the NFL. Either way, Sabb has a chance this upcoming season to make an impact and try to gain a foothold to potentially start in 2024.
Prediction: Backup safety and special teamer
Same thoughts I have re: Berry. In previous years, both may have been rushed to duty, and frustrated fans. We get to speculate for half their careers, and then they step in, somewhat salty
ReplyDeleteRE berry vs sabb I see it the other way around. Berry size and speed give him an edge, while Sabb might end up at LB.
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