The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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JUNE/JULY 2024 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 11 ❱ INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS Keon Sabb Could Have Been An All-American At Safety By Chris Balas Michigan safety Keon Sabb played a role in leading the Wolverines to the national cham- pionship in 2023, and he was primed for even bigger things in 2024. The junior would likely have been a starter with Rod Moore playing significant time at nickel. Instead, Sabb accepted an offer from Ala- bama and joined the Crimson Tide with two years of eligibility remaining. When Moore went down this spring with a knee injury that will likely cost him the season, the loss of Sabb was magnified. Thankfully, the Wolverines got Quinten John- son back for a sixth year, and he'll bolster the back end of the defense. He's emerged as an outstanding leader — many believe he'll be a captain — and junior Zeke Berry has emerged as a potential nickel back. Veteran Makari Paige has stepped into a bigger role, too, and become an outstand- ing safety. The big question mark, though — where's the depth? One of the things that made Team 144 so incredible was the sheer number of outstanding players. The coaches could keep players fresh, and those who were banged up were replaced by others who were more than capable. The schedule is going to be tough this year, and there's going to be no rest for the weary — especially at safety, once a team strength but now a con- cern. Hold your breath for good health, and that someone else emerges. DJ Waller Jr.'s Exit Stresses Lack Of CB Depth By Clayton Sayfie Junior safety Keon Sabb is the best player with the most upside among the 16 student-athletes who transferred out of the program since the be- ginning of December. However, because Michigan lacks depth at cornerback slightly more than it does at safety, the impact of sophomore corner- back DJ Waller Jr.'s defection is on par with that of Sabb's. The Wolverines have only six non-freshman cornerbacks on scholarship as it stands right now, and it's a reason why they're expected to pursue transfers at the position this offseason. Junior Will Johnson is written in Sharpie as a starter, but there's a battle for the job on the other side of the field, and Waller was in the mix. Sophomore Jyaire Hill appeared to take the lead in the spring, but head coach Sherrone Moore also said March 21 that Waller had been having an "awesome" offseason. And if last year's U-M defense that finished atop the nation in both total and scoring defense taught us anything, it's that depth matters. "He's super impressive, super long, super athletic," Moore said. "I think he's going to be a phenomenal player." Waller earned a role as a depth contributor a year ago, too, playing 123 defensive snaps, ranking third on the team among those who primarily played outside cornerback. Sabb's move to Alabama received more headlines, but Waller leaving for Kentucky is nearly as impactful. ❱ POINT ❙ COUNTERPOINT ❰ WHO IS MICHIGAN'S MOST IMPACTFUL TRANSFER DEPARTURE? WALLER SABB Two versions available! TWO EASY WAYS TO ORDER: CALL: 800-421-7751 10:00-4:00 ET, Mon.-Fri. Or call 919-688-0218 if outside the continental U.S. Mailing a check? Please call for details. ONLINE: www.TheWolverineOnDemand.com Order 24 hours a day from our online store! S P E C I A L C O M M E M O R A T I V E E D I T I O N Written by the staff of The Wolverine, this commemorative edition celebrates Michigan's remarkable 2023 season and its 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship run. Limited Edition. While supplies last! MAKES A GREAT GIFT! Sales tax added where applicable Soft-cover magazine: $14.95 plus $5 S&H Hardback book: $29.95 plus $6 S&H