Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide football team returned to the practice field on Tuesday to take part in the fifth spring camp session following a week off for Spring Break.
Following Tuesday’s practice, star junior defensive back Zabien Brown and rising sophomore tight end Kaleb Edwards both met with the media and provided insight into some of their Crimson Tide teammates.
Brown enters 2026 as one of the premier corners in the country after his super sophomore season, where he recorded two pick-sixes, one of which came against the Oklahoma Sooners in the College Football Playoff.
Edwards surprised many fans last season, working his way into a co-starter role as a true freshman. He is expected to be an important piece to the Alabama offense in 2026.
Charlie Potter and Blake Byler of BamaOnline shared the remarks of Brown and Edwards, respectively.
Zabien Brown Raves of Dijon Lee
Brown highlighted several of his teammates in the Alabama defensive back room, none more than sophomore corner Dijon Lee.
“I think Dijon Lee really stepped forward. I’ve seen his game really develop, and he started to produce a lot more,” Brown said. “I think the sky’s the limit for a guy like Dijon. I really feel like he’s really starting to glue together, and I can’t wait to play with him this year.”
Standing at 6-foot-4, Lee is a unicorn in terms of size and length at the cornerback position, and he proved, even as a true freshman in 2025, that he has superstar potential.
The cornerback duo of Brown and Lee could be one of the best in the country in 2026.
Zabien Brown Discusses Impactful Freshmen
Brown also discussed Alabama’s early enrollees, including Jireh Edwards, noting how quickly they’ve adjusted.
“My roommates in the dorm are Jireh (Edwards) and Jorden (Edmonds). Those guys, they work hard. They leave early. Being around them, they move right.”
He added that the freshman class shares a similar mindset.
Just mentally, we’re all on the same page. We go chill, talk, stuff like that. It’s nice having guys like that in the building.”
Brown would continue to rave about the athleticism of Edwards.
“He moves amazing to me. I mean, I think all the freshmen, they move around good, put on size, speed. I think everybody’s progressing at a good time.”
Jireh Edwards was a five-star signee in the 2026 class from Maryland and steadily turned heads with his elite size (6-foot-2, 221 pounds) and athletic ability.
Kaleb Edwards Embracing Larger Role
On the offensive side, Kaleb Edwards is stepping into a bigger role following the departure of former tight end Josh Cuevas.
After appearing in every game as a freshman and making six starts, Edwards is now expected to lead the tight end room entering the 2026 season.
“It’s been great,” Edwards said of the offseason. “A lot of work, just hard work. Putting my head down and grinding with my teammates. It’s been amazing. … [I’ve been trying to improve] everywhere. Everywhere I can. Blocking, technique, getting better at that. Routes, seeing the ball in. All of it.”
After catching just 11 passes for 150 yards and one touchdown in 2025, expect a significant jump in production for Edwards in 2026.
Transfer Josh Ford Could Be Key Factor
In the offseason, Coach DeBoer and his staff targeted Oklahoma State transfer tight end Josh Ford right out of the gate. Ford brings a ton of physicality and experience to the room.
“He’s been great. A great guy,” Edwards said. “We’ve hung out a couple times. I talk to him every day. I think he’s gonna be a beast this year. Run-blocking, he’s great. He’s developing in the pass game. I think he’s gonna be a great addition for us.”
After losing Cuevas to the NFL, Alabama needed more experience at tight end, and bringing in a guy like Ford accomplished just that.
Alabama Spring Practice Updates
The Crimson Tide still has several practices and scrimmages remaining before they wrap things up and head into the summer months.
All spring activities will culminate on April 11 for the annual A-Day Game, which will feature a two-hour scrimmage for the Crimson Tide fans to view inside Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Alabama’s Zabien Brown, Kaleb Edwards Reveal Early Breakout Stars