Sometimes, young players just need more snaps for everything to start clicking. It's like a shooter who finally gets consistent minutes and realizes the game isn't too fast for him anymore — the confidence rises, the details sharpen, and the talent starts showing up more often. With extra opportunity this spring, that same concept is starting to play in Alabama's secondary through the eyes of veteran safety Keon Sabb, as he watches sophomore defensive back Ivan Taylor begin to come into his own.
Taylor's game is starting to shine more and more in 2026 after the Florida native flashed real production as a freshman last fall, appearing in 15 games and totaling 14 tackles with one pass breakup while showing the kind of physicality and awareness coaches in the Tide secondary love to see.
And with Alabama senior safety Bray Hubbard being limited this spring, his teammates have noticed how he's approaching this spring with a veteran mindset, soaking up the playbook, grinding through film and practice reps, and carrying himself with poise beyond his experience level. That professional approach isn't surprising, though, being the son of former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback and two-time Super Bowl champion Ike Taylor.Â
Sabb sees this continuous development from Taylor as "really important", especially in Hubbard's brief absence. He didn't hesitate to let it be known to reporters on Monday following the conclusion of Alabama's eighth spring practice.
Keon Sabb on the emergance of Ivan Taylor this spring
"Ivan Taylor's stepped up a lot," Sabb said... "Ivan's just coming to get better each and every day... He's a guy that keys into any little detail, so when you see that from a guy, it's really important."
For Sabb, Taylor's steady improvement this spring isn't just about his flashes of talent — it's about his consistency to show he can be relied on every play. That kind of consistency is what the senior Tide safety says separates young players who earn trust from their coaches and teammates from those who don't.Â
"Proving to your teammates that you can do what you're supposed to do, each and every snap," Sabb said. "Not being amazing on one play, then being decent on another, being able to be consistent throughout the entire game."Â
This maturation process means a lot for Taylor as he looks to make a name for himself this season and beyond. If he can maintain this approach throughout the spring and into the fall, Sabb sees him as a player who could consistently make an impact on a weekly basis in the Alabama secondary and carve out a larger role in the rotation in 2026.