Young Alabama Defensive Back 'Stepping Up' This Spring

Ivan Taylor, son of former NFL player, impressing coaches and teammates in Alabama's secondary

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:18pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented movements of a college football defensive back in action, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.A young Alabama defensive back emerges as a surprise standout during the Crimson Tide's spring practice sessions.Tuscaloosa Today

Alabama's secondary has seen some new faces step up this spring, with junior Zabien Brown and senior Bray Hubbard limited in practice. One player who has impressed is sophomore safety Ivan Taylor, the son of former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor. Taylor, a four-star recruit in 2025, played on special teams and defense last season and is now earning the trust of the Tide's experienced secondary and coaching staff with his consistency.

Why it matters

Alabama's secondary is a key part of their defense, and with some starters limited this spring, it's important for younger players like Ivan Taylor to step up and prove they can contribute. Taylor's development could be crucial as the Tide prepare for the 2026 season.

The details

Ivan Taylor, a sophomore safety, has been impressing his teammates and coaches with his consistent play in Alabama's spring practices. Taylor, a four-star recruit in 2025, played on special teams and defense last season, totaling 14 tackles and a pass breakup. With injuries to some starters in the secondary, Taylor has been repping with the first-team defense and earning the trust of veteran safety Keon Sabb and the coaching staff.

  • Alabama is eight practices through spring camp.
  • The Crimson Tide will return to practice on Wednesday, April 1, in preparation for the Tide's annual A-Day scrimmage on April 11.

The players

Ivan Taylor

A sophomore safety at Alabama and the son of former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor. Taylor was a four-star recruit in Alabama's 2025 class and played on special teams and defense as a freshman, totaling 14 tackles and a pass breakup.

Keon Sabb

A veteran safety at Alabama who has highlighted Ivan Taylor as a player who has stepped up this spring.

Zabien Brown

A junior defensive back at Alabama who is limited in spring practice.

Bray Hubbard

A senior defensive back at Alabama who is limited in spring practice.

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What they’re saying

“Ivan Taylor has stepped up a lot. 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.”

— Keon Sabb, Veteran safety

“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.”

— Keon Sabb, Veteran safety

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

— Keon Sabb, Veteran safety

What’s next

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

The takeaway

With some key defensive backs limited in spring practice, the development of younger players like Ivan Taylor will be crucial for Alabama's secondary as they prepare for the 2026 season. Taylor's consistency and ability to earn the trust of his veteran teammates and coaches has been a pleasant surprise this spring.