Alabama Football News

Jaylen Mbakwe talks Alabama offer, relationship with Kool-Aid McKinstry

by
Justin Smith
January 23, 2022

Jaylen Mbakwe poses for picture during Alabama visit

Alabama football offered 2024 athlete, Jaylen Mbakwe Saturday.

#AGTG…Honored & Blessed To Receive an Offer From The University Of Alabama🐘@ChadSimmons_ @CoachHart_CC @CCHSfootbal @CoachEasley_ pic.twitter.com/s1bxgNbvWS

— Jaylen Mbakwe (@JayMbakwe) January 22, 2022

Mbakwe previously held offers from Georgia, Oklahoma and others. He is a product of Clay-Chalkville High School in Pinson, Alabama and is projected to be one of the athletes in the 2024 recruiting class.

The sophomore said he tried to hold back his emotions with little success when Nick Saban offered him in his office during his visit.

“It was a big moment,” Mbakwe said. “I tried not to show much emotion while in coach Saban’s office but when I left, all the emotions just came through. They have a great program with great academics. It is awesome. They do not worry too much about the football part as a whole. They have a focus on life afterward.”

Saban spent some time talking with Mbakwe and his mom during his visit to Tuscaloosa, and their conversation veered away from football.

“He told me about the offer and said he will like to see me at camp,” Mbakwe said. “We mainly talked about academics and life after football.”

Saturday’s visit also gave Mbakwe an opportunity to catch up with fellow Pinson native and Alabama’s freshman defensive back, Kool-Aid McKinstry.

“Our relationship is like a big brother, little brother one,” said Mbakwe. “We spend a lot of time with each other when he comes home from Alabama. Our relationship is big.”

Mbakwe is one of the fastest sophomores in the country. He holds a PR of 10.76 in the 100-meter dash and his speed translates to the football field. College coaches from across the country are debating what side of the ball the 6-foot, 168-pounder will play on at the next level.