2024 On3 Top 5 recruit Jaylen Mbakwe commits to Alabama

Jaylen Mbakwe saw no reason to wait any longer.

The 5-foot-11, 170-pound athlete out of Pinson (Ala.) Clay-Chalkville picked up an offer from Alabama in January, and it was almost over right when it started.

Auburn, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M are schools that had Mbakwe’s interest, but the No. 5 prospect in the On300 was ready to commit to the Crimson Tide.

“I have known for a while that I was going to Alabama,” Mbakwe told On3. “The recruiting process had worn me down a little, I knew where I wanted to go, so there was no reason for me to wait.”

The offer from Alabama was extended on January 22. Mbakwe had that feeling not too long after that.

“I knew in February or early March where I was going. Alabama wins, they develop players, they have great coaches, and the culture is great.

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“Every time I am there, they treat me like family. They make my family feel welcome too. We all love Alabama.”

The No. 1 prospect in Alabama was back in Tuscaloosa the weekend of June 25. That is when it hit him that there was no reason to wait. He was around the coaches, he spent more time with players, and that culture fits him.

“It has that championship-type vibe at Alabama,” Mbakwe said. “I have been there six or seven times and it is a cool environment. You can have fun, but they work hard, it is business-like, and it is a great fit for me.”

Alabama is recruiting Mbakwe to play cornerback.