2026 DB commit talks transfer, upcoming junior season
In less than 36 hours, Dorian Barney will strap up the pads and take the field for Carrollton High School for the first time. Carrollton will hit the road for a matchup with Woodward Academy on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Central.
This is an important next chapter of Barney’s football career. He enters this season an Alabama commitment, the lone pledge for the Crimson Tide’s 2026 class. Barney is also playing his first year at Carrollton HS after previously playing for Peachtree Ridge. He’s a top-60 overall prospect on On3 and, as those who follow recruiting closely know, junior seasons will prove to be pivotal for future rankings updates.
Barney spoke with BamaOnLine recently about what he’s hoping to put on display this fall.
“Just keep showcasing my ball skills,” Barney said. “I’ve got 12 picks already in two seasons. So, keep showcasing my ball skills. Keep performing very well. And just getting prepared for the next level.”
As a Bama commit, Barney will have plenty of people following his season from start to finish. For those keeping tabs on his game-by-game performances for the first time, Barney detailed what they should expect from his skill set.
“I’m a hitter. I like to come down and hit when it’s needed,” Barney said. “My ball skills are amazing. I have great ball skills. I go get the ball when it’s in the air. Great coverage skills – Man-to-man, zone, whatever people need. I’m just a ball player, man.”
In early June, Barney announced that he will be transferring from Peachtree Ridge to powerhouse Carrollton, which recently produced Alabama 2024 wide receiver signee Caleb Odom. The Trojans’ current roster also features USC quarterback commit Julian Lewis, No. 2 Class of 2026 safety Zelus Hicks, and other future P4 players.
Transferring to a program of Carrollton’s caliber has been a positive experience for Barney.
“It’s been very good,” Barney said of his move to Carrollton. “It was a very good decision for me to go there. The development is crazy on the field, off the field, and in the weight room. The coaches are great there. Just getting prepared for that next level.”
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Alabama Class of 2026 DB commitment Dorian Barney. (Photo by Chad Simmons/On3)
It’s not a surprise to hear when players from schools like Carrollton, IMG Academy, Mater Dei, and others are both mentally and physically prepared for the next level almost right away.
Barney discussed the main reasons why Carrollton has taken it up a notch when it comes to his preparation.
“Just how our schedule is. We’ve got a college-like schedule,” Barney said. “We’re having two practices a day. Getting up at 5 in the morning. They’re feeding us good and everything like that.”
Previously speaking with five-star cornerback Dijon Lee’s position coach, Skeats Spalding, the topic of people trying to make a highlight play or two on Lee popped up. Spalding told BOL that he talks with Lee about the importance of staying focused at all times.
Barney understands what being an Alabama pledge comes with, and isn’t backing down from the challenge ahead.
“Man, just going in there and being a dog,” Barney said of his mentality. “Being a Bama commit, that’s big. People look at that as big, too. Being a Bama commit, you’ve got to play the best and want to be the best at all times.”
BamaOnLine will keep track of the performances of all three of Alabama’s commitments this upcoming weekend. Stay tuned to the BOL Round Table for more!
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