Which Alabama DB is "Stepping Up" in Spring

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama's secondary returned four starters from last season's roster, but has new faces repping with the starting unit this spring, with junior Zabien Brown and senior Bray Hubbard limited in spring practice.

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Veteran safety Keon Sabb highlighted one of last season's reserves who has stepped up and is impressing as the Crimson Tide is eight practices through spring camp.

"Ivan Taylor has stepped up a lot," Sabb said. "Zay Mincey has stepped up. Rihyael (Kelley) and Jireh Edwards as well. We've got some young guys playing a lot of snaps right now.

"Ivan is just continuing to get better each and every day. He's a guy that keys into any little detail. When you see that from a young guy, it's really important."

Taylor, the son of former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor, was a four-star prospect in the Tide's 2025 recruiting class from West Orange High School in Florida. He was ranked as the No. 43 overall prospect and the No. 2 safety in the 2025 class and played in all 15 games for Alabama last season on special teams and defense. He totaled 14 tackles and a pass breakup in the action he saw last season.

Earning the trust of the Tide's experienced secondary and the coaching staff is crucial for young defensive backs, and Sabb shared that Taylor has started to earn that trust.

"Proving to your teammates that you can do what you're supposed to each and every snap," Sabb said. "Not being amazing on one play and being decent on another. Being able to be consistent throughout the entire game.

"Ivan Taylor [has been a surprise with the consistency] in the safety room. I'm hands-on with that as well. I think he's really been showing up."

With the injuries in the secondary to start spring practice, Taylor stepping up will be crucial for the Crimson Tide to get valuable practice reps as the Tide prepares for its 2026 season.

The Crimson Tide will return to practice on Wednesday, April 1, in preparation for the Tide's annual A-Day scrimmage on April 11.

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_.