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Alabama 5-star signee affirms he will stick with Crimson Tide after Nick Saban's retirement

Wg0vf-nP_400x400by:Keegan Pope•01/15/24•

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Jaylen Mbakwe - Alabama
Alabama commit Jaylen Mbakwe

Since Nick Saban’s retirement news broke last week, Alabama has seen a number of players enter the NCAA Football Transfer Portal and a few of its high school commits back off their pledges.

So far though, none of the Crimson Tide’s 2024 signees have requested a release from their National Letter of Intent, including five-stars Julian Sayin and Jaylen Mbakwe.

On Monday, the latter removed any doubt that he won’t be donning the ‘A’ by announcing he was locked in with the Tide on Twitter.

Mbakwe committed to the Crimson Tide in July 2022 over Oklahoma, Auburn, Ole Miss and more than a dozen other programs and has been a vocal recruiter for Alabama since then. He signed with the Crimson Tide on the first day of the Early Signing Period last month as well.

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“I’m very excited. I can’t wait to get to work and show Bama fans what I can bring to the table,” Mbakwe told BamaOnLine in December. “On the field, I bring leadership, hard work, having fun, and discipline. I’ve got speed, smarts, and ball skills. I’m very big on small details and technique. Off the field, I’m a laid-back person. I like to interact with the fans.”

The 5-foot-11, 170-pounder is the No. 18 overall prospect and No. 1 athlete in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 3 player in Alabama. 

Jaylen Mbakwe On3 Scouting Summary

The following is the On3 Scouting Summary for Jaylen Mbakwe:

“One of the more dynamic two-way athletes early on in the 2024 cycle. Stars on both sides of the ball for one of the top high school programs in Alabama. Has outstanding play speed, backed up by a personal best of 10.74 seconds in the 100 meters mid-way through his sophomore track season. 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. Returned several kicks for touchdowns.

“Also doubles as a productive defensive back, with high level ball production, totaling 4 interceptions and 12 pass breakups as a sophomore. Should he end up at defensive back, will need to continue honing his technical skills. Projects as one of the more electric athletes in the 2024 cycle.”