Alabama football has a large group of freshman early enrollees going through spring football practice with the team at the moment.
A group of them have stood out and garnered attention from their teammates and coaches.
Here is a look at five garnering the most attention:
Red Morgan
Red Morgan has received praise from Alabama football’s coaches and players throughout the spring. Morgan signed with the Crimson Tide as a four-star defensive back prospect, who closed on the football with heat-seeking speed and played a lot bigger than his listed height and weight. Kalen DeBoer mentioned Morgan has been one of the highlights of the Tide’s freshmen class this spring. Alabama lost several members of its secondary after the 2023 football season, and Morgan looks to have worked himself into position to make an impact in year one with the many departures.
Alabama freshman DB Red Morgan impressing early in Tuscaloosa.
Malachi Moore feels once he understands ‘the nuances of college football’ he will be a great player for the Tide.
Morgan’s impressive closing speed and fierce playing style stood out coming out of Phenix City. pic.twitter.com/mzKnidtiMz
— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) March 7, 2024
Caleb Odom
Odom has transitioned into a wide receiver for the Crimson Tide after being recruited as a tight end. While being considered as a tight end prospect, Odom was featured more so as a receiver for Carrollton during his time with the Trojans. He has received praise from multiple Alabama receivers, including Kendrick Law, who compared the 6-foot-5 freshman to George Pickens.
“Caleb Odom is a wide receiver. He is not a tight end…When I look at him, I kind of see George Pickens.”
Kendrick Law loves what he is seeing from Alabama freshman, Caleb Odom. pic.twitter.com/mggb6kanYe
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) March 9, 2024
Zabien Brown
Brown is impressing with his advanced coverage technique. This is no surprise considering how he looked on film for Mater Dei. The California product has what many call ‘teach tape’ as he performed like a polished college defensive back at the high school level. DeBoer has spoken positively about him and Morgan.
“Those two in particular, they’ve certainly been highlighted throughout these first five practices,” DeBoer said. “Red made a nice play or two today and Zabien’s been super consistent, really beyond what you’d expect from guys that are so young. It’s been really positive from those two guys.”
Young Alabama defensive backs impressing at spring practice.
“They have certainly been highlighted throughout these first five practices. Red made a nice play or two today and Zabien has been super consistent.”
Kalen DeBoer on Zabien Brown and Red Morgan. pic.twitter.com/Hisioe6K58
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) March 23, 2024
Peyton Woodyard
Woodyard is another California defensive back, who signed with Alabama during the 2024 recruiting cycle. He was more so known for his ability to be a versatile defensive back, who can line up in different positions within the secondary. He has worked with Alabama’s second string this spring and looks to be in a good position for a freshman team on the Tide’s depth chart.
Alabama freshman DB Peyton Woodyard has been impressive in spring practice, per Colin Hitschler.
“Peyton is working with the 2s right now, but he’s making a lot of plays. He’s grinding, he’s working, he’s focused. I love Peyton.”@TDAlabamaMag pic.twitter.com/3h0OfiAJP3
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) March 24, 2024
Jaylen Mbakwe
Mbakwe is the latest five-star defensive back from the state of Alabama to sign with the Crimson Tide. As a senior, he led Clay-Chalkville to a 6A State Championship as its starting quarterback. He also made plays at wide receiver and this is why some feel he can make an impact as a returner in year one.
Alabama freshman and former 5-Star Jaylen Mbakwe is expected to push for early playing time in Tuscaloosa.
Mbakwe among the first defensive backs through drills today in spring practice. pic.twitter.com/jTd26YDTJL
— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) March 6, 2024
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Justin Smith is the Director of Recruiting for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via @Jdsmith31Smith
