Two Tide Defenders Named to Comeback Player of the Year Watchlist

Last season, two of Alabama's starters in the secondary suffered season-ending injuries. Keon Sabb broke his foot in Alabama's 24-17 loss to Tennessee in October, and Deontae Lawson tore his ACL in Alabama's 24-3 loss to Oklahoma.

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Both players have been named to the watchlist for college football's comeback player of the year award, presented to the best college football player who overcame injury and adversity in the season.

Sabb, a redshirt sophomore from Glassboro, New Jersey, broke his foot on a pass breakup against Squirrel White in Alabama's 24-17 loss to the Tennessee Volunteers in October 2024. Sabb started seven games for Alabama last season, totaling 39 tackles, four pass breakups, two interceptions, and 0.5 tackles for loss. Sabb is expected to be fully healthy for the start of the 2025 season.

Lawson, a redshirt senior from Mobile, Alabama, tore his ACL in Alabama's 24-3 loss to the Oklahoma Sooners in November 2024. Before his injury, Lawson started 11 games for the Crimson Tide, totaling 76 tackles, four pass breakups, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.

Lawson's injury was late enough in the season that there was concern about his availability to start the 2025 season. However, Lawson is expected to be Alabama's starting linebacker to open the season as he moves closer to 100%.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.