Alabama cornerback Jaylen Mbakwe plans to enter NCAA transfer portal
Alabama cornerback Jaylen Mbakwe plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal, he told On3’s Hayes Fawcett. Mbakwe just wrapped up his true freshman season with the Crimson Tide, sticking with the program after Kalen DeBoer took over. However, his second year of college football will be spent elsewhere.
Mbakwe saw the field in 11 games this season for Alabama, only missing the loss to Vanderbilt. Some debate took place about where his career would begin positionally coming out of high school. But Mbakwe played cornerback, recording 15 tackles, 1.0 tackles for a loss, two pass breakups, and an interception.
Punt return was a spot where Mbakwe saw the field too, having two touches for 48 yards. Those both came during the nonconference portion of the schedule against USF and Mercer.
Wide receiver was another spot Alabama considered playing the highly-touted prospect before arriving on campus. Even though Mbakwe played quarterback in high school, CB or WR were the two landing spots. Potentially at his next stop, a shakeup could occur.
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“One of the more dynamic two-way athletes early on in the 2024 cycle. Has starred on both sides of the ball for one of the top high school programs in Alabama,” On3 said in Mbakwe’s scouting report. “… Pulls away in the open field, easily out-running defenders. Dynamic with the ball in his hands both as a receiver and return man. Also shows the ability to separate on vertical routes. Has several kicks for touchdowns.
“Spent much of his time on offense as a junior, despite projecting as a cornerback long-term. Was a productive defensive back as a sophomore with high level ball production, totaling 4 interceptions and 12 pass breakups. Has a smaller, slighter frame and will need to continue honing his technique once he fully focuses on playing cornerback.”
Mbakwe played high school football at Pinson (AL) Clay-Chalkville, where he was a Five-Star Plus+ prospect. He was the No. 16 overall recruit in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.