After Alabama football lost its two starting cornerbacks to the NFL and had 10 defensive backs transfer after former head coach Nick Saban’s retirement, the team had major questions at the position.
In came Domani Jackson.
The former 5-star recruit spent two years at USC before transferring to Alabama in December 2023, and he stayed loyal to his decision even after Saban retired just a few weeks later. Jackson wanted to trust in his decision to move all the way from Southern California to Alabama and believed in new head coach Kalen DeBoer.
“I had already moved everything across the country, there was no point in me leaving again,” Jackson said. “Especially since I trusted DeBoer to build a great defensive staff.”
Jackson hasn’t looked back on the decision since. After an underwhelming sophomore season at USC, during which he started 11 games on a defense that gave up 34.4 points per game, he has found success with the Crimson Tide. Jackson has started all 10 games on a defense that ranks the 10th-best in the country, with only 16.9 points per game given up.
“It just comes down to being around the right people,” Jackson said. “This team just brings out the best in you, and we’ve competed with each other day in and day out since I’ve got here.”
After only recording four pass breakups across two seasons for the Trojans, Jackson has already surpassed those marks in just eight games, as he has recorded eight pass breakups and his first two college interceptions this season.
One of his interceptions was a game-winning pick that helped Alabama escape with a 27-25 win against South Carolina. It was an eventful day for Jackson, as he had left the game due to injury early in the second quarter but returned in the fourth quarter to save the game for the Crimson Tide.
“He’s someone we’ve got a lot of confidence in,” DeBoer said. “I was definitely proud of the fight that he had in wanting to be back out there, considering he did go down earlier in the game.”
Jackson’s two interceptions, both in SEC play, have been part of a team-wide effort. The defense has recorded 20 turnovers in seven games of SEC play. He credited defensive coordinator Kane Wommack and his “Swarm” defense for helping the team succeed..
“The whole thing has been vision, reading the quarterback’s every move,” Jackson said. “That’s what he’s preached during film and practice, and you’ve seen the turnovers we’ve been able to produce as a result.”
Alabama’s cornerback group is the youngest on the team, with three true freshmen having seen snaps with the starting defense. Even as a newcomer, Jackson is one of the most experienced of the bunch and has made sure to help out the younger players.
“I remember being in their shoes and getting advice from the older guys,” Jackson said. “I make sure to give them my two cents and help as much as I can.”
With the three true freshmen coming, along with Jackson and DaShawn Jones transferring in, it has been all new faces at the cornerback position for the Crimson Tide this season, and Jackson credited his position coach, Maurice Linguist, for helping the group reach success.
“Mo is a big factor in what’s happening with me and our performance,” Jackson said. “He breaks down the littlest things and makes the game a lot easier and more fun.”
The cornerback who has been on the field with Jackson the most is his former Mater Dei High School teammate, freshman Zabien Brown, who has started all eight games after an impressive fall camp. Jackson noted how funny it was that they were teammates in high school in California and now in college, as well as how helpful it has been to be together on the field.
“We got a lot closer these past few months,” Jackson said. “We’re like brothers, and we’re able to communicate well and trust each other.”
Jackson has spoken highly about his time in Alabama and expressed sentiments similar to those of fellow transfer addition Germie Bernard, noting how real Southern hospitality is and how he “loves it” in Tuscaloosa.
Reflecting on his favorite moment at Alabama, Jackson chose experiencing his first “Walk Of Champions” before Week 1 against Western Kentucky.
“Stepping off the bus and seeing all the fans outside was surreal,” Jackson said. “It was a great feeling.”
With his draft stock continuing to rise due to his performance this season, Jackson has earned praise from his teammates for filling a void in the Crimson Tide’s secondary and locking down a cornerback spot.
“Domani’s been a very consistent player since he got here,” team captain safety Malachi Moore said. “He’s came in and worked every day.”
Jackson continues to impress heading deeper into the season, as he held elite LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy to only two targets and no catches when he was matched up against him, according to PFF. He also forced the first fumble of his career against Mercer, which the Crimson Tide recovered.
Even with all the new pieces that came into the team and the defense this past offseason, Jackson notes that the team is still out to prove that it isn’t going anywhere.
“The A doesn’t change,” Jackson said. “Hopefully people can see that.”
