It's not unusual for a college football player to face adversity at some point in his career, whether it be on-field challenges, mental, or physical; it's common for an athlete to have an off period.
For Alabama defensive back Dijon Lee, the sophomore has dealt with much adversity this season, from on-field challenges to a controversial act at the end of the Alabama-Georgia game, which led to coach Kalen DeBoer blowing up on the field.
Lee is well aware of the challenges he's faced this season, but the best way for him to overcome them is by leaving the past in the past and trying to get better each week to help his team in as many ways as possible.
"Just how to fight adversity,” Lee said during Tuesday's media availability. “I came in last year, had a good year. Started this year a little rough, you know, just fight through it.”
All season long, Alabama players have been preaching about accountability, learning from one another, and building each other up; one reason the Tide have been able to progress and become a top team in the country.
In a time of need, Lee has been able to depend on support from his teammates and those around him; one in particular has been captain Zabien Brown, whose voice has been a key part in helping Lee overcome obstacles.
"Just play ball," is the message Brown preached to Lee. "At the end of the day, it's football. It is what it is. Things happen. Nobody is gonna be perfect. Next play."
The Crimson Tide's brotherhood has been evident for years. This season, the Tide have had to lean on each other it seems more times than ever —from Lee seeking support from his teammates to Ryan Coleman-Williams consoling and encouraging Red Morgan after he was ejected for a targeting penalty during a game.
B Psi Phi, also known as "Bama Psi Phi," serves as an internal brotherhood and player-led club exclusive to current and former Alabama football players, many of whom live by the phrase. It symbolizes the tight-knit team bond, culture, and brotherhood shared within the Alabama football program.
Former Alabama and Green Bay Packers safety, HaHa Clinton-Dix, who now serves as director of player development, has been a true representation of B Psi Phi and has maintained the Bama standard. During the closing minutes of the loss to Georgia, Clinton-Dix made Lee face DeBoer, who chewed him out over the costly penalty.
Clinton-Dix has been a huge asset to the program and ensures players are provided with support while being held accountable.
"Not even just last month, the last year and a half —me being here, HaHa has been my big brother, to be honest," Lee said about what Clinton-Dix has been to the program. "He helps me through everything. He's really smart. He's been through it. He's been in my shoes before. He really just taught me a lot. Just keep my composure. At the end of the day, you did what you did. You can't go back to it. Just learn from your mistakes pretty much is what he's telling me."
Lee had a standout freshman campaign, with 34 total tackles, 5 pass deflections, 2 interceptions and 4.5 tackles for loss. It wasn't the stats that really made Lee stand out; it was his lengthy build, standing at 6-foot-4.
Lee succeeded as a true freshman cornerback due to his unique physical build and quick grasp of the defense, which led him to earn Freshman All-American (On3) and Freshman All-SEC Team honors.
However, Lee hasn't looked the same in his sophomore season and has struggled in coverage. While speaking with the media, Lee detailed how he needs to improve in coverage.
"Learning how to locate the ball," he said. "Locating the ball, playing through the hands. When and how to locate, and just working that every day in practice."
There's always room for improvement, and Lee has the opportunity to better himself this season as Alabama is on track to compete in the College Football Playoff.
Lee recorded 6 total tackles and one pass breakup in the Crimson Tide's 31-13 victory over LSU, but he stated there's "room for improvement" in how he played against LSU and moving forward.
He does not let the outside noise dictate his play; instead, he is ready to battle with his B Psi Phi brothers and win a national championship.
"I really don't care about how people say I played," he said. "I just want this team to win a national championship."
With plenty of football in view for Alabama, Lee has a unique opportunity ahead of him; he can rewrite his journey this season and help Alabama accomplish its goals for the season.