A second member from Alabama’s 2024 freshmen class is geared up for spring practice.
Jaylen Mbakwe, a five-star athlete from Clay, Ala., joined Caleb Odom (four-star tight end) in showing his new Crimson Tide locker to fans on social media. The 5-foot-11, 170-pounder is one of the most explosive athletes in the state of Alabama and nationally that Nick Saban got in the Tide’s 2024 class before he retired. Mbakwe was a must-see television at Clay-Chalkville High School in Pinson, Ala., excelling at quarterback, wide receiver, defensive back, and return specialist. He earned nearly 30 scholarship offers before picking Alabama over Auburn and Georgia. Mbakwe led Clay-Chalkville to a class 6A state title in 2023.
5-Star freshman Jaylen Mbakwe reveals his new locker 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/1cAfSjqUcS
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) February 18, 2024
He will be a defensive back for the Tide and has an opportunity to potentially start as a freshman.
RELATED: Alabama freshman TE shows off his locker as a member of the Crimson Tide
Alabama lost several cornerbacks to the NCAA transfer portal, including Trey Amos (Ole Miss), Antonio Kite (Auburn), Dezz Ricks (Texas A&M), Jameer Grimsley (Florida), and Earl Little II (Florida State). It also graduated Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry to the upcoming NFL Draft. Mbakwe could find himself on the field as an impactful starter if he has a great spring.
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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.
