California native Domani Jackson praises Alabama's two west coast cornerback signees
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama signed 21 members of its 2025 recruiting class last week, including two cornerbacks in Dijon Lee and Chuck McDonald. Both cornerbacks hail from the state of California, the same state that both of Alabama’s starting cornerbacks this past season were from.
Alabama’s top corner this season was Domani Jackson, a transfer from USC who went to Mater Dei High School in California. Across from Jackson was Zabien Brown, a freshman who also went to Mater Dei and had an established relationship with Jackson before either of them ever got to Tuscaloosa.
Jackson spoke highly of the Crimson Tide’s two signees, singing the praises of what California defensive backs bring to the table.
“[They bring] the best energy, to answer your question,” Jackson said. “Coming out of programs like Mater Dei, Mission Viejo. High school ball is pretty much similar to college ball when you play in that kind of conference over there. They’re used to physicality and stuff like that.”
McDonald went to Mater Dei like Jackson and Brown, while Lee went to Mission Viejo. Jackson gave a quick scouting report of both players, complimenting their size first and foremost.
“Just coming down to physicality corners, both of them do that,” Jackson said. [Dijon Lee] is obviously a huge corner, his length is great. He’s kind of similar to [Zabien Brown]. Chuck, he’s a big physical corner. Four Cali dudes in one room.”
Lee has incredible length and range for a cornerback at 6-foot-4, three inches taller than the 6-foot-1 Jackson who’s already plenty big for his position. McDonald is similar in height to Brown, both measuring in at 6-feet.
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When asked what advice he would give to the incoming freshmen, Jackson focused on the mental aspect of their games.
“Get in the playbook,” Jackson said. “That’s all what it’s about. Learn the defense, just break down film and make the game easier. That’s what it comes down to.”
Like Jackson and Brown had a relationship before coming to Alabama, Jackson already knew Lee from their time growing up as well. With Jackson being three years older than Lee, he’s taken a mentor-like role.
“It’s honestly crazy. I grew up with DJ,” Jackson said. “He was a little kid asking for gloves and stuff like that, and he’s gonna be here. I played a big brother role.”
Lee will join the Crimson Tide very soon as an early enrollee, while McDonald will join the team in the summer as both prepare for their true freshman seasons in 2025.
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