Concerns were expressed by many at Southeastern Conference Media Days, including Nick Saban, about the University of Alabama’s defensive secondary for this season.
The Crimson Tide has finished two fall practices, and Kane Wommack — Alabama’s defensive coordinator — has highlighted defensive backs that have impressed him. He named Domani Jackson (transfer from USC) and Zabien Brown (freshman), but Wommack saved his best comment for a former Alabama high school Class 6A state champion. He said Jaylen Mbakwe, a five-star freshman from Clay-Chalkville High School, has made the ‘greatest strides’ since arriving on campus back in the spring.
RELATED: Alabama DC Kane Wommack sees this Crimson Tide LB as a starter on defense
“I think one of the biggest intangibles of playing the defensive back position is playing with an edge and having a confidence in how you play the game,” Wommack said. “And anyone who has watched Bak [Jaylen Mbakwe] in the last few years of high school knows the way he plays the game. He carried his team to a state championship, and I have been so impressed with his level of confidence. He did not play the position day in and day out in high school, but the strides he has made from spring ball to right now … I would argue that he has made as many strides as anyone in our defense.”
The 5-foot-11, 170-pounder is a gamer.
Mbakwe did everything for Clay-Chalkville, including play quarterback, wide receiver, defensive back, and return specialist.
He has things to continue to learn on defense, but this growth is huge for him. If he can continue to push, Mbakwe could have valuable reps in the secondary that will help him make the secondary elite.
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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.
