Alabama coach reveals that the NFL was the driving force behind the return of a Crimson Tide duo that few saw coming
Here’s how Kane Wommack and the rest of the Alabama coaching staff convinced Bray Hubbard and Keon Sabb to return to Tuscaloosa.
The Alabama Crimson Tide attacked the transfer portal in full force just days after its season ended in the Rose Bowl. Some of the biggest moves included rebuilding the offensive line, improving the front seven, and returning key members of the secondary.
The cornerback position looked poised to be in a great spot with the retention of Dijon Lee and Zabien Brown. The big question, however, was what would happen at safety, given that both Keon Sabb and Bray Hubbard were notable NFL Draft prospects. Well, according to defensive coordinator Kane Wommack, it was the NFL that led both of them to return.
Kane Wommack credits Alabama’s relationship with the NFL as reasoning for the return of Keon Sabb, Bray Hubbard
“Well, those are the decisions that are made in January that affect us from September to next January hopefully, and those are some of the biggest wins in recruiting,” Wommack said via Alabama’s YouTube channel. “We try to be very open with our players about what we think the best decision is for them, and we’re really fortunate we have such great connections with all NFL organizations that we get great feedback. We’re able to give them accurate information, and then, they make the best decision possible.”
Why having Keon Sabb and Bray Hubbard back is so important for Alabama
Sabb and Hubbard form not just the best safety duo in the SEC, but arguably in the entire country. They feed off one another and have a symbiotic relationship on the backend of the Crimson Tide’s defense.
Sabb will make his money as a true post player who can rely on range and ball skills to force turnovers in the middle third of the football field. Hubbard on the other hand, is a box safety that will come down and thump at the point of attack.
He’s a better athlete than he gets credit for, and he’s highly instinctual with a nose for the football. He often explodes into the backfield or collapses on in-breakers from depth. Both of them have specific skillsets, and another year of high-level tape will likely lead to Senior Bowl and Combine invites that can propel them into that day-two range.
So it’s safe to say their return helps everyone involved.
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