2026 4-star CB Dorian Barney commits to Alabama, Kalen DeBoer: ‘I know he’s going to continue that legacy that Nick Saban started’

The recruitment of Suwanee (Ga.) Peachtree Ridge four-star cornerback Dorian Barney changed a few months ago. That is around the time Alabama’s new coaching staff began pursuing him heavily. 

Barney took two visits to Tuscaloosa in March and has developed strong bonds with head coach Kalen DeBoer, defensive coordinator/inside linebackers coach Kane Wommack and co-defensive coordinator/defensive backs coach Maurice Linguist. The 6-foot-1, 163-pound defensive back will now head into his junior season committed, as he announced his pledge to the Crimson Tide on Sunday. 

“The whole staff wants me there and I feel comfortable,” Barney told On3.

“Why I chose them is because of the connections and the development,” he also shared. “They are developing players, they have developed them in the past and they will continue to do so in the upcoming years. Also, it is about the relationships that I have with all the coaches.” 

Barney believes Alabama will continue to be a top program under DeBoer

Barney, who chose Alabama over Ohio State and other top college football programs, was previously recruited by DeBoer’s staff at Washington. Once DeBoer moved to the Crimson Tide and his Alabama staff started recruiting Barney, the talented defender quickly grew interested in the defending SEC champions. 

The No. 8 player in Georgia is confident that DeBoer will build a strong culture at Alabama, especially since some of his players from Washington came with him to the Crimson Tide. He also believes that Alabama’s new head man – who he feels “really wants me there” – will keep the Crimson Tide at the top of college football. 

“I know he’s going to continue that legacy that Nick Saban started,” said Barney, the No. 41 overall prospect and No. 3 cornerback in the 2026 On300. “It’s going to continue and when I get there, it’s going to be even better.” 

Barney is excited to play for DeBoer and other Alabama coaches

Barney has already met DeBoer two times. The four-star likes how he is focused on developing his players for the NFL and life after football. 

“He’s a great overall person,” Barney said. “Me and my family sat down and we talked to him. He’s going to keep recruiting me and is going to do his best to recruit me. He was telling me about how the program works and I like how the program works. That’s why I chose them.” 

It has been a good two days for DeBoer and his staff on the recruiting trail, as they not only landed a commitment from Barney. Jackson (Ala.) four-star cornerback Jamarrion Gordon also chose Alabama on May 18. 

Another coach who played a “big part” in Barney choosing the Crimson Tide was Linguist. The Georgia native is excited to learn from the Alabama assistant when he gets on campus. 

“Our relationship is going great,” Barney said. “It’s been getting stronger since we’ve met. We’re bound to get our connection pretty good and be comfortable around each other. I can talk to him. We have talked about everything, not just football, but things about life. He likes to teach the game. He likes to see kids develop.” 

Wommack is another coach that Barney is looking forward to playing for. He joined DeBoer’s staff after serving as the head coach at South Alabama. 

“He’s a really high-energy dude and he wants to win in everything,” Barney said.