Domani Jackson on relationship with Zabien Brown: ‘Like a little brother’

The Alabama Crimson Tide added a pair of defensive backs this offseason, Domani Jackson and Zabien Brown. The pair have a strong relationship, and it’s one that should help them together now that they’re at Alabama together.

While speaking to the media during Fall Camp, Jackson opened up on his relationship with Brown, comparing him to a little brother.

“Most definitely,” Domani Jackson said. “Going to high school and then trying to get him at the other school. Now, him, obviously, committing here and me coming here has been great for us. Our bond is like no other. He’s like my little brother.”

A Mater Dei product, Domani Jackson is coming to Alabama as a transfer from USC. That’s where he’s spent the last two seasons, playing under Lincoln Riley. At the time, he’d gone to the Trojans as a five-star recruit and the top-ranked cornerback in the 2022 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings.

Like Jackson, Zabien Brown went to Mater Dei in California for high school. That’s where the two were able to begin their close relationship with one another. While there, Brown became a five-star recruit in the Class of 2024, going to Alabama straight out of high school.

“So, I just gotta show him the steps, show him the ways, and the whole room is great,” Jackson said. “We all bond great with each other.”

It’s a year of turnover for Alabama, with Nick Saban retiring. He was one of the great defensive-minded coaches in history and initially made his name as a defensive backs coach. Now, the defense is led by a new coordinator in Kane Wommack.

Wommack runs a 4-2-5 defense that’s going to emphasize the importance of defensive backs, particularly ones who can play multiple spots in the secondary.

Why Domani Jackson stayed at Alabama after Nick Saban retired

Domani Jackson had already made the decision to transfer to Alabama before Nick Saban retired. It wouldn’t have been overly surprising to see him leave once that change happened. However, he chose to stay.

That decision to stay is something that Jackson broke down, emphasizing that Alabama is still Alabama.

“Truthfully, the A doesn’t change,” Jackson said. “It’s still a powerhouse, runs college football. I just wanted to have a change and reset my college career, and I just felt like this was the best opportunity.”

In his 18 games at USC, Domani Jackson had 35 total tackles and four passes defended. Those are numbers he’ll look to build on in 2024.