Two of the best high school players to come through the state of Alabama will sharpen each other at the University of Alabama.
Ryan Williams and Jaylen Mbakwe are phenomenal athletes and young men.
The two developed a close friendship competing against each other in Class 6A. Williams was an electric wide receiver for Saraland High School while Mbakwe played quarterback, receiver, defensive back, and return specialist at Clay-Chalkville High School. Both made it to the state championship matchup at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Williams and Mbakwe put on a show that fans won’t forget, and Mbakwe guided Clay-Chalkville to a 31-28 victory. Both are five-star athletes that will compete against each other again at practice.
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Williams looks to carve out a starting opportunity at receiver while Mbakwe will be a defensive back.
Mbakwe was adamant about making sure he plays with his best friend. People were concerned as to whether Williams would go elsewhere after Nick Saban announced his retirement, but Mbakwe refused to lose his guy to another school. He played a significant role in Williams’ official visit to the Crimson Tide — rolling out the red carpet for his friend and his family.
After receiving the “Mr. Alabama” Award for a second straight year, Williams spoke on his excitement to play with Mbakwe.
Alabama commit Ryan Williams on his relationship with his future teammate Jaylen Mbakwe: @abc3340
“He gets recruiter of the year. Long story short he gets recruiter of the year.” pic.twitter.com/ZwVSrQWKHK
— Chris McCulley (@ChrisMcCulleyTV) January 30, 2024
“He gets recruiter of the year,” Williams said about Mbakwe. “Long story short, he gets recruiter of the year. Like he says, he is my best friend … I am excited to play with him. He is a great kid.”
Alabama fans got the pleasure of watching two great players battle in high school, and now they get an opportunity to do it in college for the Crimson Tide.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
