Will Bama close the deal with transfer portal cornerback?

Alabama Football has spent much of the spring transfer portal period looking to add an experienced corner to its roster, and all signs indicate that DaShawn Jones is the guy. 

Formerly of Wake Forest, Jones has three years of college under his belt and two seasons with significant playing experience. He visited Tuscaloosa over the weekend, and it appears that all went well. Several major outlets have crystal balled DaShawn Jones to commit to the Tide, but it hasn’t been made official yet.

Indiana cornerback Kobee Minor was scheduled to visit Alabama early this week, but there is speculation that he will not be making the trip. Perhaps this is an indication that Jones has silently pledged his commitment to the Tide and is waiting to publicize his decision. 

If the Tide can close with Jones, it will be a critical addition for a talented but very green secondary. As the only experienced player in the room outside of USC transfer Domani Jackson, Jones would likely compete for a starting cornerback spot immediately. He would have to beat out 5-star true freshman Zabien Brown, fellow early enrollees Zay Mincey and Jaylen Mbakwe, and redshirt freshman Jahlil Hurley to earn the job. 

It will be fascinating to see how Bama operates if it lands DaShawn Jones. Will it continue seeking secondary pieces in the portal? 

Even with Jones, the Tide would only have six true cornerbacks on scholarship, and only two with playing experience. It wouldn’t hurt to add one more veteran. Additionally, Penn State safety King Mack visited Tuscaloosa over the weekend, so Alabama is at least open to the idea of adding to its safety room. 

With summer fast approaching, Kalen DeBoer and the coaching staff are looking to finalize their defensive personnel in preparation for the season. DaShawn Jones could be one of the key pieces that brings the unit to completion.