Elite four-star Florida football defensive player decommits from Clemson

Eric Boynton
Greenville News

Elite four-star Florida safety Keon Sabb announced on Monday he was decommitting from Clemson after having announced for the Tigers over the summer.

Sabb was clearly having second thoughts about his Clemson pledge several days before defensive coordinator Brent Venables agreed late Sunday evening to become Oklahoma's head coach.

Sabb broke a longstanding Clemson policy of not visiting other schools once a player has verbally committed to the Tigers. He showed up at Michigan walkthrough the day before attending the Wolverines victory over Notre Dame on Nov. 27.

IMG Academy standout Keon Sabb (front and center) decommitted from Clemson Monday. Here he poses for pictures with his family after initially committing to Clemson. Top row (from left): Antoine Sabb, Amari Sabb, Xavier Sabb and Khamia Hitton. Bottom row: Naiyana Sabb, Quiana Sabb, Keon Sabb, Gwen Sabb and Vonnie Hitton.

“First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the entire coaching staff at Clemson,” Sabb said in a statement to On3.com. “I am grateful for the time and energy you have invested in me.

More:One of Clemson's highest-ranked 2022 commits breaks policy visiting Michigan vs. Ohio State

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“Over time we have developed strong relationships, which is why it weights so heavily on my heart that I must make a decision to take a step back from my commitment.

“With the help of family and thoughtful consideration, I have decided to re-open my recruitment. I wish all the best to the Clemson program and their future.”

Keon Sabb decommits from Clemson

Sabb (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) is ranked as the No. 80 prospect, eighth-best at his position and 11th in Florida for 2022 by the 247Sports Composite. Prior to his announcement, the Tigers had the nation's 10th-best recruiting class and second to North Carolina in the ACC. Clemson now has 13 commits.

His versatility and frame made it likely Sabb would've played linebacker for Clemson. He was the team's fourth-highest ranked recruit in the 247Sports Composite. Only top-rated Texas quarterback Cade Klubnik, Mauldin cornerback Jeadyn Lukus and Sabb's IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida) cornerback teammate Daylen Everette were ahead of him.

The fifth-highest ranked commit is another IMG Academy prospect in defensive end Jihaad Campbell.