What Zabien Bown has seen from Alabama’s five-star freshmen defensive backs

Alabama Defensive Back Zabien Brown (2) during Fan Day Practice at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL on Sunday, Aug 11, 2024.

Never mind Alabama’s stacked secondary, Zabien Brown is part of arguably the most talented dorm room in college football. The junior cornerback is currently rooming with a pair of fellow five-star recruits in freshmen Jorden Edmonds and Jireh Edwards. 

Good luck finding a living arrangement with more recruiting stars per square foot than that. Alabama couldn’t have drawn it up any better while trying to architect its future secondary while drawing out the full potential of its current unit. 

Brown is the ideal mentor for Alabama’s highly prized freshmen defensive backs. The Santa Ana, California native signed with the Crimson Tide as a top-five cornerback in the 2024 class and has started all 28 games at cornerback since. Two years later, he’s taking a leadership role when it comes to crafting the Tide’s youth. 

“It’s a little bit of a change, but I embrace it,” Brown said of his new role. “I have fun with everybody. I try my best to just be present. 

Entering the second week of spring practice, Brown likes what he’s seen from his freshman roommates — both on and off the field. 

“Those guys, they work hard and leave early [the dorm] early,” Brown said. “Being around them, they move right.” 

Edmonds joins Alabama as the No. 28 overall player and No. 3 cornerback in the nation, according to the 247Sports Composite. The 6-foot-3, 188-pound defensive back has put on 15 pounds of muscle since joining the Tide over the winter and has already drawn plenty of praise from teammates and coaches during camp. 

Edwards has been equally impressive since signing as the No. 32 overall player and No. 2 safety in this year’s class. At 6-foot-2, 221 pounds, he brings size and versatility to an Alabama safety unit that returns starters Bray Hubbard and Keon Sabb. 

“I think all the freshmen, they move around good,” Brown said. “They put on size, speed. I think everybody is progressing at a good time.”

Brown says he sees a lot of himself in the young defenders. In his new mentorship role, the junior has focused on preaching focus and dedication while demonstrating the best way to maximize production throughout the day. That being said, with so much talent surrounding him, he’s also picked up a few things himself from his younger teammates. 

“I’ll ask Jordan about a rep he had, or just something like that. “If you’re humble, you should be able to take in information from everybody.”

Alabama wrapped up its fifth of 15 spring practices on Tuesday. The Tide will take Wednesday off for its Pro Day before returning to the field on Thursday.