Alabama Football’s pursuit of cornerback DaShawn Jones from Wake Forest has finally come to fruition, as his commitment to the team became official on Wednesday. Jones, who made a significant impact for the Demon Deacons in 2023, will now transition from the ACC to the SEC as he joins the Crimson Tide.
In Tuscaloosa, Jones will be tasked with bolstering a cornerback group that is rich in blue-chip freshmen but lacks experienced players. While USC transfer Domani Jackson appears to be the frontrunner, the competition for the other cornerback position is wide open, with Jones vying against true freshman Zabien Brown, among others, for the spot. Despite the uncertainty in the depth chart, Alabama’s cornerback unit is notably youthful, with no players having previously taken an SEC snap. They will need to mature quickly, especially with challenging early-season matchups on the horizon.
Alabama’s strong front seven should provide some protection for the inexperienced secondary, particularly if they can generate a formidable pass rush. Losing young safeties Peyton Woodyard and Tony Mitchell to the transfer portal this spring prompted the Crimson Tide to reinforce their secondary, leading to the addition of Jones at cornerback and former Charlotte safety Kameron Howard.
While Woodyard and Mitchell may appear more talented based on recruiting rankings, the experience and starting experience of Jones and Howard make them valuable additions for Alabama in the 2024 season. The Tide’s decision to add more seasoned players, especially at cornerback, should provide a boost to their defensive backfield.
