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.
