Alabama CB coach explains why Jaylen Mbakwe did not play at Vanderbilt
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama freshman cornerback Jaylen Mbakwe didn’t play in the Crimson Tide’s loss at Vanderbilt last week, marking his first game with zero snaps this season.
After Wednesday’s practice, Alabama cornerbacks coach Maurice Linguist was asked why.
“There’s nothing into that. We just didn’t get him in there,” Linguist said. “The game was flowing. He’s a big part of everything that we’re doing. Had a great week so far, Tuesday and Wednesday, and fully expect him to be prepared and ready to go against South Carolina.”
Mbakwe had played in all four of Alabama’s first four games of the 2024 campaign as part of a rotation at cornerback. While Domani Jackson and Zabien Brown have played most of the reps, Mbakwe has averaged 20.25 snaps per game, according to Pro Football Focus.
Jackson, Brown and DaShawn Jones were the only corners who played on defense in the loss to the Commodores, while Zay Mincey and Jahlil Hurley both played on special teams. Mbakwe was the only scholarship corner who did not play in the Tide’s first SEC road game.
The Clay, Alabama native registered four tackles and two pass breakups. And that’s just on the defensive side of the football, Mbakwe has also made an impact on special teams as one of Alabama’s punt returners. He recorded one return for 28 yards against South Florida.
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Mbakwe was one of three 5-star cornerbacks who signed with the Tide this offseason. He was rated as the nation’s No. 16 overall player, the second-best cornerback in the Class of 2024 and the No. 3 player from Alabama, according to the On3 Industry Rankings.
With Alabama set to host South Carolina on Saturday, Oct. 12, Mbakwe is expected to return to the field, which would be his fifth appearance this season – meaning he can no longer redshirt. After not playing at Vanderbilt, what can Linguist do to help build his confidence?
“Take advantage of all the practice reps and make sure that we’re watching the practice reps with him,” Linguist said. “Make sure that we’re executing in practice. He’s doing a phenomenal job. He’s doing his job in practice and continuing with our 1-on-1 meetings with our guys and continuing to build a personal relationships where the trust is there.
“So he’s in a good space, and he’ll be ready to go.”
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