2 Alabama freshmen defensive backs on pace to contribute in 2026

Alabama Defensive Back Jireh Edwards (10) during practice at Thomas-Drew Practice Fields in Tuscaloosa, AL on Sunday, Mar 8, 2026. - Photo via Alabama Athletics

A pair of Alabama football freshmen look to be on pace to make an impact in year one in Tuscaloosa.

The Crimson Tide signed four defensive backs from the high school ranks during the early signing period of the 2026 recruiting cycle. All four of them enrolled early at the University of Alabama. Jireh Edwards, Jorden Edmonds, Zyan Gibson and Rihyael Henry have suited up to participate in spring practice with the Crimson Tide.

Alabama’s defensive coordinator Kane Wommack was asked about Edmonds and Edwards during his Friday media availability.

“We’re going to make an investment in the high school market, and we can get the best players in the country coming out of high school,” Wommack said. “The key is you got to make sure you get a return on your investment, and the days of waiting around 2.5 years for those players to develop and then get on the field, that’s really not feasible, right? That’s not a good business structure. So for us, right, we’ve got to make sure we identify guys that are not only the most talented but also have a maturity to be able to come in and do the work. Zabien Brown, Dijon Lee, Ivan Taylor, (Zavier) Mincey, those guys have all come in, and they’ve been able to contribute for us in year one, and I think both those guys are very much on pace to do that.”

Edmonds was a highly-rated cornerback prospect. At 6-foot-3 and 188 pounds, the Georgia product has the length Alabama’s staff continues to target. His frame combine with his athleticism give him a high ceiling as a prospect.

Alabama’s 5-Star CB signee Jorden Edmonds is an athletic and long DB, with natural ball skills.

The ball-hawking DB, who plays with great anticipation, is also an effective tackler in space. pic.twitter.com/yJMZdASt8K

— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) December 3, 2025

Edwards is a 6-foot-2, 221-pound safety with the potential to make plays all over the Tide’s defense in the future. Alabama can likely use hime the same way it uses Bray Hubbard in it secondary. It may be a tall task attempting to keep him off the field in year one.

5 ⭐️ DB Jireh Edwards @jaygolive1k is a physical safety prospect, who could fit perfectly at Husky for Alabama.

He is physical, strong against the run, can take on blocks and good in coverage.

Tide hosting him for OV this weekend.

Full EP: https://t.co/sZjY1LlW5q pic.twitter.com/xftExP4ZPK

— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) June 6, 2025

These former five-stars are worth paying attention to.