Alabama’s young cornerbacks have been highly impressive in preseason camp.
Jaylen Mbakwe, a freshman, was arguably the lone defensive back in the Crimson Tide’s recent freshman class that played more than one position in high school. The former five-star from Clay-Chalkville High School excelled at quarterback, wide receiver, defensive back, and return specialist — aiding his program to a Class 6A state championship in 2023.
He came early in the spring at 170 pounds, but the electric playmaker committed to weight training in the summer. Mbakwe is now at 192 pounds, adding healthy weight and muscle to his 5’10” frame.
He is in the weight class to be impactful as a defensive back for the Crimson Tide.
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Kane Wommack, Alabama’s defensive coordinator, has raved about Mbakwe’s growth.
He mentioned earlier in fall camp that the in-state native has made the ‘greatest strides’ of anyone on defense. Wommack feels he can trust Mbakwe to have a role on this group. He is one of a few freshmen that has possessed the maturity the coaches love.
“What I have been impressed with from Bak (Jaylen Mbakwe) is that a guy that has played another position pretty much all of high school, the growth he has made to learn the details of the position very quickly,” Wommack said Tuesday.
“He made strides in the spring time, but I think he took his game to another level in the summer. What he has shown in fall camp, we feel like he is going to have a role for us in this season. He had a great day out there today. He is really starting to hone in and play with anticipation as opposed to I just gotta get my footwork right. He is starting to really recognize and anticipate.”
Domani Jackson and Zabien Brown (freshman) were the starting corners at Alabama’s open practice.
This news on Mbakwe is huge as he’s closing the gap as the next guy up.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
