The Alabama football program has experienced significant changes in recent months, marked by Nick Saban’s retirement and Kalen DeBoer’s assumption of the coaching reins. As with any coaching transition, there’s been turnover across various levels of the program, notably impacting on-field personnel.
While the team has witnessed departures to the transfer portal, DeBoer and his staff have been active in replenishing the roster with talent from the portal as well. Notably, several former Washington players, including Parker Brailsford, Germie Bernard, and Austin Mack, have followed DeBoer to Alabama. Additionally, on Monday, the Tide acquired two more players from the portal: former Washington tight end Josh Cuevas and former Michigan safety Keon Sabb.
Cuevas becomes the fourth former offensive player from Washington to join Alabama, reuniting with his former position coach Nick Sheridan in Tuscaloosa. Previously at Cal Poly, Cuevas played a significant role for the Pac-12 champions, recording four receptions for 164 yards and a touchdown across 15 games.
Sabb, hailing from Michigan, enters the transfer portal following Jim Harbaugh’s acceptance of an NFL head coaching position with the Los Angeles Chargers. The 6-foot-1 safety, originally from New Jersey and later attending IMG Academy in Florida, was a highly touted recruit in the Class of 2022. During his time at Michigan, Sabb appeared in 18 games, tallying 28 tackles, two interceptions, and a defensive touchdown, including a notable performance in the Rose Bowl victory over Alabama.
Alabama has welcomed a total of eight players via the transfer portal during the current offseason, with five opting for the Tide following DeBoer’s arrival. With the spring transfer portal window opening in April, DeBoer has further opportunities to bolster his roster with additional talent.
