On3 5-Star Countdown: No. 31, Alabama CB signee Jaylen Mbakwe

On3 has released its final recruiting ranking for the 2024 class after the completion of the high school football season and all-star competitions. Pinson (Ala.) Clay-Chalkville five-star cornerback and Alabama signee Jaylen Mbakwe is the No. 31 overall prospect in the 2024 On300.

The latest edition of On3’s 2024 rankings features 32 five-star players, up from 21 in the penultimate update in November. Of those 32 prospects, 29 are signed to college programs, with three still yet to make their decisions official.

This final update comes after the end of the high school playoffs and postseason All-American games, where top prospects across the country faced off in a week of practices and ended with nationally televised games.

The 5-foot-11, 170-pound Mbakwe committed to the Crimson Tide all the way back in July 2022. He remained firm in his pledge up until signing in December and now headlines of the best recruiting classes in the country. Despite the departure of Nick Saban, Mbakwe is all-in and ready to compete in Tuscaloosa.

“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.”

Jaylen Mbakwe Scouting Summary

On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power writes this about Mbakwe as a prospect:

“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. Measured at a shade under 5-foot-11 and around 170 pounds with a 30.5-inch arm and 8.25-inch hand. Has outstanding play speed, which he backs up on the track. Won the Alabama state titles in the 100m (10.70 seconds) and 200m (21.57 seconds) as a junior. 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.”