50 players Alabama fans need to know: This tall transfer cornerback is ‘like a sponge’

EDITOR’S NOTE: Between now and the unofficial kickoff to the football preseason at SEC Media Days on July 20, 205focus.com is featuring one Alabama football player per day. We continue the series today with defensive back Carmelo O’Neal.

Measurables

6-foot-4, 209 pounds, Atlanta, Ga.

From Mercer to the Tide

Kane Wommack has a clear preference for length at the cornerback position, and Alabama’s roster construction reflects that vision. While Dijon Lee stands out as a likely starter at 6-foot-4, the Crimson Tide added another intriguing piece of that same mold in transfer Carmelo O’Neal.

O’Neal arrives in Tuscaloosa with a unique background. During his two-year stint at FCS Mercer, O’Neal played the safety position, racking up 54 tackles. As a sophomore, he made his mark with 36 tackles and a team-high 10 pass breakups. Wommack first identified O’Neal’s potential while reviewing Mercer game tape during Alabama’s preparations for the Iron Bowl against Auburn.

The Path to Playing Time

Alabama’s secondary is stacked entering the 2026 season. With the return of key contributors like Zabien Brown, Bray Hubbard, Keon Sabb, and Red Morgan—alongside Dijon Lee—the starting unit is already taking shape. While O’Neal faces a crowded depth chart, he has the potential to become a vital rotational piece, especially if the team faces injuries.

The transition to cornerback is a work in progress, but O’Neal is gaining traction. The coaching staff is closely monitoring his development throughout preseason camp to determine his specific role. Should he continue to master the nuances of the position, he could see significant action this year, particularly given that the cornerback group features less overall depth than the safety room, which already boasts talents like Ivan Taylor and Jireh Edwards.

Learning on the Fly

Wommack has been impressed by how quickly the junior has adapted to the high-level demands of Alabama football. During the spring, O’Neal’s work ethic stood out to his head coach.

“Kid’s great,” Wommack said. “He’s hungry. He wants to take a step forward. He knows that there’s some things from a fundamental standpoint that he could grow in, and he’s like a sponge right now. I mean, you teach him something, he picks up on it really fast.”

COMING SATURDAY: We feature Crimson Tide tight end Kaleb Edwards, who could play an expanded role in Alabama’s offense this season.