Alabama true freshman, Jaylen Mbakwe is carving out quite the niche for himself early in his Crimson Tide career.
The former five-star and Pinson, Alabama native has taken snaps on defense throughout the Tide’s first three games. He has also been Alabama’s primary punt returner due to Cole Adams missing time after sustaining an upper-body injury. Mbakwe has shown flashes in both areas, stepping up when his number is called.
The freshman met with media after Alabama’s Friday practice and discussed what his transition has been like, just three games into his college career.
“Basically I’m just playing wherever they need me at,” Mbakwe said. “I feel comfortable wherever. Wherever the coaches tell me to play at, that’s where I’m gonna play at and do my job to the best of my abilities, not getting a lot of reps but just being able to watch the guys in front of me, knowing that I am big part of that.”
Mbakwe went on to humbly credit the defensive backs ahead him on the Alabama depth chart, including Domani Jackson.
“Since he’s (Jackson) been in college, just the recognition, especially from him, Malachi, and Keon Sabb,” said. “Just the recognition of the game, knowing what I’m getting, being able to know how to slow people down, and things of that nature. So yeah, that’s the biggest thing, just knowing what I’m getting.”
Mbakwe is poised to make a name for himself in Tuscaloosa in the future.
Personal: Trevion Ware is from Dallas, Tx, born February 16th. He is a 2018 High school graduate from Dallas Carter High School. He attended 3 colleges, Texas A&M University Commerce, Butler Community College, and The University of Louisiana at Monroe. Trevion is a former collegiate track athlete as well.
D.W. CARTER HS
Was a four-time letterwinner at D.W. Carter HS, helping his team to a Class 4A UIL state championship before graduating in 2018…As a senior in 2017-18, was part of the 4x400 meter relay champions at Texas Relays and 4x200 Class 4A State Championship relay…As a junior in 2016-17, was part of the Texas Class 4A 4x400 relay state championship and won the 4A regional championship…As a sophomore in 2015-16, was a DISD 4A District Champion and a regional qualifier…As a freshman in 2014-15, was a DISD 4A District Champion and a regional qualifier…Also lettered in football.
TEXAS A&M-COMMERCE
As a freshman in 2018-19, posted a season-best time of 50.16 in the 400 meters at the Crimson & Gold Invitational (12/8/18)…Qualified for the Lone Star Conference Indoor Championship…
BUTLER CC
Competed in outdoor track & field at Butler CC in El Dorado, Kansas, in 2021…Part of the NJCAA national qualifying 4x800 meter relay team, running a season-best time of 8:23.39 in the NJCAA Region VI Championships (4/29-5/1/21) …Had his best 800 time, 1:59.08, at the 2021 Tabor College Open (4/24/21)…Also competed in the 4x400 relay.
Trevion Ware is also 2 time college graduate. He college graduate from Butler Community College in 2021, with his associates degree in liberal arts. He then continued his education at The University of Louisiana at Monroe. He began working in talk radio at ULM during his college career before transitioning to sports media. Trevion later went on to graduate from ULM with his Bachelors degree in mass communications in the spring of 2024. Trevion has a strong passion and drive for sports journalism. This sentiment has taken this young man far. Trevion Ware is now the newest journalist reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He will begin covering the Crimson Tide in the upcoming 2024 season! The best is truly yet to come for this young man and he will be a great asset to the TDA family/franchise.
