If the Alabama Crimson Tide are going to make it back to the College Football Playoff, the secondary will be a big reason for that. Kane Wommack and Maurice Linguist's side of the football have one tremendous defensive back after another at their disposal. While Zabien Brown, Bray Hubbard, and Keon Sabb have garnered so much attention this offseason, let's turn our attention to Dijon Lee Jr.
Lee was the first Alabama player mentioned in the PFF College 50 ahead of the 2026 season. He slotted in at No. 38 overall, as potentially the first of a few Alabama defensive backs to make this list. As of Tuesday morning, only players ranked No. 50 through No. 31 have been revealed so far. 10 more names will be dropped each day heading into Fourth of July weekend. Lee offers so much promise.
PFF's blurb should let Alabama fans know how special of a player Lee could be for the Crimson Tide.
"Lee emerged as one of the best cornerbacks in the SEC as a true freshman last season. He picked off two passes while breaking up five others en route to earning an excellent 80.2 coverage grade. His 6-foot-4 frame and terrific zone coverage technique allow him to shut down his side of the field. He and the rest of Alabama’s secondary will make life very difficult for opposing offenses again in 2026."
PFF loves Lee's ability "to shut down his side of the field." Playing opposite of Brown does make things easier for Lee. While it could mean more forced throws in his direction to avoid Brown, there is a non-zero chance Alabama could emerge as a no-fly zone. As long as the Crimson Tide can play with a lead, this elite secondary could help them close out more games. They also have to run the football.
Lee becoming a shutdown corner for Alabama will allow Wommack and Linguist to focus elsewhere.
Dijon Lee Jr. makes Kane Wommack's job easier for Alabama's defense
Whether it be Brown or Lee at cornerback, Hubbard and Sabb occupying the safety spots, or Red Morgan handling the HUSKY role, Alabama is in fantastic shape in the back end of its defense. It is so important because the front-seven is not as strong of a unit for them. Yhonzae Pierre may lead the charge in the pass rush, but Alabama really needs USC transfer Devan Thompkins to be impactful.
Having a true sophomore who is already demonstrating great coverage and ball skills is such a huge boost to the Alabama defense. As long as Lee progresses, it will allow Wommack to put greater focus on the other areas of this defense, as well as affording Linguist the opportunity to get more creative in the back end. Furthermore, Kalen DeBoer can focus solely on helping Ryan Grubb run the football...
Whenever a team has an elite position group like this, it does wonders for the entire operation. It may not solve any bottleneck, but more resources could go to other areas of need because this position group has got this. Most playoff-caliber teams have a position group like this. Alabama has a secondary that would make most Power Four teams incredibly jealous. It is a good problem to have.
ALSO READ: If Kane Wommack plays it right, this position group should carry Alabama's defense
Overall, Alabama has a luxury that most teams cannot even imagine. Who else has a true sophomore at cornerback who is just as much of a shutdown playmaker as the guy starting opposite him? Alabama has that with Lee continuing to grow and learn from upperclassmen Brown, Hubbard, and Sabb. With a favorable schedule to start, we can only hope Alabama plays with confidence right away.
At this time, Alabama can trust its secondary, but needs to develop depth in case any injury occurs.
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