“Free board” “Family” - Michigan players react to former Wolverines star Keon Sabb’s first appearance in Alabama uniform

Star defensive back Keon Sabb made his first appearance in an Alabama uniform, something that was shared on his Instagram account. Former Michigan players also went public, with their reactions to Sabb's switch to the Crimson Tide.

Sabb, who helped Michigan win a national championship last season and started five games, posted a series of pictures with this caption:

"Far from home but ain’t nothin changed but the weather."

Michigan players chimed in within the comments section. Wolverines QB Alex Orji wrote:

“Freeboard.”

A former Wolverines CB Mike Sainristil wrote:

“Family.”

Another Wolverines DT Mason Graham wrote:

“3 board.”

Wolverines DB Myles Pollard wrote:

“Right on the dot.”

Screenshots via Instagram

Meanwhile, Alabama players also added their comments, with linebacker Jihaad Campbell writing:

“Let's get it.”

Safety Peyton Woodyard added:

“Go time fam!”

Screenshots via Instagram

Keon Sabb had started in five of 29 games in his first two seasons with Michigan before entering the NCAA transfer portal. In February, he transferred to Alabama, quickly becoming one of the first recruits to join the program after the new coach, Kalen DeBoer was hired.

Keon Sabb transfers from Michigan seeking opportunity

Keon Sabb transferred from Michigan due to NCAA transfer portal rules. These allowed him to leave within a 30-day window following head coach Jim Harbaugh's move to the NFL. Sabb entered the portal in February, taking advantage of this opportunity.

Although Harbaugh's departure for the NFL opened the transfer portal for Sabb, other coaching changes probably impacted his choice to transfer too.

Michigan's co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach, Clinkscale, followed Harbaugh to Los Angeles. U-M's safeties coach, Jay Harbaugh, left to become the special teams coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks.

Defensive backs Conner Warhurst (49) and Keon Sabb (3) work during practice at the University of Alabama.

In March, Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer commented on Sabb's presence:

“You bring a guy like that in to be an impact player for you. ... The character makeup, aside from what we know is a great football player, he’s a really good fit for us,” DeBoer said. “It’s been a pleasure getting to know him more and more each and every day, just seeing how he’s operating.

“Right now, he’s just going about his work, but you can tell he’s got that it-factor and the leadership piece within him and we’ll be counting on him this fall,” he added.

Keon Sabb's transfer to DeBoer’s Crimson Tide will give him a chance for more playing time and he will have three years of eligibility left at Alabama.