Kane Wommack delivers a harsh message - and challenge - to Alabama CB Domani Jackson

Saturday afternoon against Missouri was not one of Domani Jackson's better performances for Alabama. Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack talked about it while issuing a challenge to his senior CB.
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The whole world saw one of Domani Jackson's worst moments in an Alabama uniform on Saturday against Missouri. On the Tigers' opening drive touchdown march, Jackson had a chance to make a play on Beau Pribula's touchdown pass to TE Brett Norfleet. Jackson got caught between deciding to make a tackle or a play on the ball and, instead, did neither one. Norfleet secured the catch over Bray Hubbard, and Jackson watched from a few yards out of bounds as Norfleet rumbled toward the endzone.

Jackson received a lot of criticism for it. He was blown up by fans on social media. Even Josh Pate brought it up and was baffled by it on Sunday night.

Jackson also put some things on tape against Georgia that were unkind to him, particularly as a run defender on the edges. That has led to some increased playing time for 5-star freshman Dijon Lee, who was already rotating with Jackson. Lee saw more snaps than Jackson and was on the field on the final couple of drives against Missouri while Jackson was on the bench

Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack was asked by the media on Monday about his decision to play Lee over Jackson, and Wommack used the time to deliver a message - and a challenge - to his senior cornerback.

"You have to answer for the things that we put on tape," Wommack told reporters. We just felt like what Dijon was doing in the game, and as the game went on, he was operating at a very efficient level... What you do in practice and what you do in games ultimately determines the amount of playing time moving forward."

Domani Jackson may have to work to get his starting spot back over Dijon Lee

Wommack likes to rotate cornerbacks, so Jackson will still find playing time going forward, but it won't be much of a surprise to see the freshman Lee start the game against Tennessee on Saturday in Tuscaloosa. Lee has played well when he's been out there. He made the game-sealing interception against Missouri and nearly had a second interception earlier in the game on a terrific play on the ball.

Against Tennessee and 6-foot-5 WR Chris Brazzell, Lee's size and length may actually be the best to combat him. But there will be a role for Jackson as Tennessee looks to play fast and consistently have Alabama's corners running deep in hopes of tiring them out.

Jackson has played good football for Alabama in the past, and he has more good football ahead of him. But the kind of mistakes - some of which were effort-related - he's made in recent weeks just won't be tolerated by this coaching staff anymore.

Kalen DeBoer and the rest of the staff made that vow after the debacle against Florida State. They continue to show that in their actions instead of just words.

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