1 Alabama defensive back has taken a major step forward: “I can’t wait to play with him.”

Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Dijon Lee Jr. (5) against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Alabama football’s defensive back, Zabien Brown is excited to play alongside fellow California native, Dijon Lee, in the Crimson Tide’s secondary in 2026.

Lee is gearing up for his second season in Tuscaloosa. He will be a true sophomore when he takes the field this fall after starting multiple games as a freshman in 2025. He and Brown are expected to start at cornerback next season.

Brown was asked Tuesday which one of his teammates surprised him this offseason, and he pointed to Lee.

“I think Dijon Lee really stepped forward, and I’ve seen his game really develop, and he started to produce a lot more, I would say,” Brown told reporters.

Lee finished the 2025 season with 34 total tackles, five pass breakups, 4.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions. Brown went on to tell reporters he feels Lee has no ceiling for how good he will be in his second year.

“I think the sky’s the limit for a guy like Dijon,”  Brown said. “He, like I said earlier, I really feel like [we] really starting to glue together, and I can’t wait to play with him.”

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix recently praised Lee for being a hard worker after he was spotted putting in work during spring break.

“This is what separates you from others. The grind is important. Hang and train,” Clinton-Dix posted to X.

This is what separates you from others. The grind is important. Hang and train. 🐐❤️ https://t.co/OcjRsM2bww

— Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (@haha_cd6) March 19, 2026

Alabama’s secondary is expected to be one of the best in college football with Lee and Brown at cornerback, Red Morgan at Husky, Bray Hubbard at safety and Keon Sabb at the other safety position.