Domani Jackson was once like Chuck McDonald and Dijon Lee : the highly-touted California cornerback ready to make his mark at the college level.
So Jackson knows what both Lee and McDonald will bring the the Crimson Tide . It's the same energy Jackson and former 2024 five-star Zabien Brown have already brought the Crimson Tide .
"The best energy," Jackson said. "Coming out of programs like Mater Dei, Mission Viejo, high school ball is pretty much similar to college ball... They are used to physicality and stuff like that."
Jackson said he grew up with Lee, remembering the 6-foot-4, 190-pound cornerback as "a little kid asking for gloves" and serving in "a big brother role."
Jackson played at the same Mater Dei program as both Brown and McDonald.
Both Lee and McDonald, Jackson said, are "big physical corners," attributes both share with Brown, who had 17 tackles, two tackles-for-loss, two interceptions, two pass deflections and two fumble recoveries, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
Jackson knows what McDonald and Lee could do. He also knows the best way to set each on a path to success.
"Get in the playbook," Jackson said. "I mean, that's all what it's about. Learn the defense. Just break down film and just make the game easier. That's what it comes down to."
Lee and McDonald were two of five California recruits for Alabama in the 2025 class, joined by punter Alex Asparuhov, linebacker Abduall Sanders Jr. and tight end Kaleb Edwards.
But for Jackson, it's not only where the Alabama cornerbacks are from. It's become a Crimson Tide cornerback personality trait.
"Four Cali dudes in one room," Jackson said.
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: What Domani Jackson says separates Alabama football cornerback 'Cali dudes'
