Alabama freshman DB learning from veterans while waiting in the wings

Alabama football’s freshman defensive back Jireh Edwards has earned playing time this season in a veteran-led secondary.

Edwards, who was one of the top recruits to sign with Alabama during the 2026 recruiting cycle, has played in eight games for the Tide this season, contributing on defense and special teams. He has racked up four total tackles, including one tackle for loss in a limited role.

While his role continues to be a consistent one, the freshman is using the opportunity to learn from some of the Tide’s older defensive backs during his first season in Tuscaloosa.

“Great opportunity having guys like Bray Hubbard, Keon Sabb, Zabien Brown, all them older guys, just learn from (them) every day,” Edwards said during an interview with Riger Hoover of the Crimson Tide Sports Network. “They are pros, they practice like pros. They do everything right. 
Even if it’s not with football, they would do everything right, but just seeing them, picking some from their game, a little, is a good option I have. So just doing that, just keep limiting myself and keep myself consistent, getting better day by day.”

Kalen DeBoer revealed the defensive back suffered and bounced back from a broken arm. He saw his first playing time of his career against Kentucky.

“Jireh Edwards, 19 days out of a broken arm, post-op, going out there getting a sack,” DeBoer said while talking about Edwards after the game. “We got a lot of tough dudes.”

Edwards is expected to develop into a key contributor for Alabama in the future.