Alabama football’s defensive backs to press wide receivers more this fall

Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Zabien Brown (2) intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Colbie Young (8) during the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images

Alabama football feels it has the talent in its secondary needed to press wide receivers more at the line of scrimmage during the 2026 season.

The Crimson Tide returns one of the best secondaries in college football. This group includes a pair of cornerbacks with contrasting styles in Dijon Lee and Zabien Brown. Lee and Brown are expected to start opposite of one another at cornerback for the Tide this fall.

Brown is considered to be one of the best cornerbacks in college football. He is easily one of the most technically sound cornerbacks in the sport, and he has a proven track record of making plays.

Lee is set to enter his second season with Alabama, and he is one of the tallest cornerbacks in the country at 6-foot-4. His length and frame allow him to have a wide catch radius.

The sophomore revealed some notable information about the Tide’s emphasis on pressing more while talking to reporters on Friday.

“This season, we emphasized press-game more,” Lee said. “Definitely going to be pressing a lot more this season, so just went out there, working with coach Mo (Linguist), and it’s just been paying off.”

It is unclear if more press coverage means more man-to-man coverage for the Tide. Nick Saban feels the Tide would benefit from playing more man coverage.

“So I do think if they played a little bit more deny the ball, secondary-type defense, man to man, whether it’s split safeties or middle of the field coverage, rushing four, rushing five doesn’t matter, they would be even more productive on defense,” Saban said on SEC Network at SEC Media Days.