Alabama DB named semifinalist for Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year award

Oct 11, 2025; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Dijon Lee Jr. (5) intercepts a pass intended for Missouri Tigers wide receiver Donovan Olugbode (1) during the fourth quarter at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images

Dijon Lee has been named a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Award.

The award is given annually to the best freshman in college football and is named after former Alabama running back, Shaun Alexander. Lee is one of 14 semifinalists.

A pair of the previous award winners were members of the Alabama football team when they took home the award. Will Anderson did so in 2020 and Caleb Downs did in 2023.

Lee has accounted for 19 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two pass breakups ups and one interception through eight games. Alabama’s defensive coordinator Kane Wommack recently shared he feels Lee has a better understanding of the defense.

“I think Dijon, you know, young players in the big moments, some of it is just overcoming the moment,” Wommack said. “And I think the thing about Dijon, the very first play of his college career against Florida State, he gives up a big bomb. You see some guys, and that can wreck them for weeks on end, and he just went right back to work and has made plays. Has made plays on deep balls down field. Has made plays on situational downs for us. I think he’s very physical and has presence in the run game. I think he’s continuing to just sharpen his tools in terms of what he’s doing fundamentally. He has a much better understanding of what we’re doing schematically. He’s a great communicator for a freshman out there on the field. I think he does a really good job communicating with the linebackers and safeties out there. He’s taking the steps in the right direction that you would want for a young starter corner to take.”

Lee will look to continue his string freshman campaign.