Alabama is using the spring transfer portal window to add some starting experience to its defensive back room.

The Crimson Tide landed a commitment from DaShawn Jones on Wednesday evening. Jones is heading to UA after spending his first three seasons at Wake Forest. He arrives in Tuscaloosa as a redshirt junior with two seasons of remaining eligibility.

The big news was shared on social media via Hayes Fawcett of On3:

 

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What Alabama is getting in Jones

Coming out of Baltimore (Maryland) Mount Saint Joseph High School, Jones was a lightly recruited prospect. Rated 3-stars on the 247Sports Composite, Jones signed with Wake Forest over offers from 10 other schools, including Kansas.

Jones did not play during the 2021 season. By taking a redshirt, he extends his eligibility through the 2025 season.

In 2022, Jones made 12 appearances. He became a starter in the second half of the season, and finished his first year of playing time with 23 tackles (19 for loss, 0.5 solo stops) and 5 pass breakups.

Jones stepped up his production this past season. As a redshirt sophomore, he logged 37 tackles, including 27 solo stops and 1.5 TFLs. He logged multiple tackles in all 10 games he played (9 starts). In coverage, Jones led the Demon Deacons with 3 interceptions and added 2 pass breakups.

Starting experience in a new-look secondary

Kalen DeBoer inherited a secondary that saw starting cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry enter the NFL Draft. On top of that, Trey Amos transferred to Ole Miss.

DeBoer’s staff has turned to the portal to help rebuild the secondary. Jones joins Keon Sabb (Michigan), Kam Howard (Charlotte) and Domani Jackson (USC) as transfer defensive backs to land in Tuscaloosa.

With starting experience against Power conference competition, Jones is a solid piece for a post-spring practice transfer portal addition.