Elite 2024 ATH Jaylen Mbakwe commits to Alabama: "I'm home."
Jaylen Mbakwe has collected over two dozen offers in his recruiting process. From Clemson, to Texas A&M, all the way out to Oregon, Mbakwe was presented with a wealth of options from coast to coast.
In the end, however, it was the school that he lives an hour away from that came out on top. Moments ago, the No. 5 overall prospect on On3’s Class of 2024 rankings announced his commitment to Alabama.
“Just the atmosphere,” Mbakwe told BamaOn3 when explaining why Alabama came out on top. “The culture. The coaches are great. They treat my family like it’s home. Those are my main reasons. The academics are great, too.”
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A product of Clay-Chalkville in Pinson (Al.), Mbakwe has grown up watching the Crimson Tide dominate the college football landscape year in and year out.
When asked what’s the first thing that comes to mind when Mbakwe thinks of Alabama, he did not hesitate in his response.
“I’m a winner, so championships,” Mbakwe said. “It’s pretty great. Dream school, so I get a chance to win a championship there. Hopefully get one all three years I’m there.”
Freddie Roach, Travaris Robinson recruited Jaylen Mbakwe hard
Mbakwe cited Alabama’s staff as one of the main reasons he decided to commit to the program. Leading the charge here were area recruiter Freddie Roach and cornerbacks coach Travaris Robinson.
“Coach T-Rob and Coach Roach, they played a big role,” Mbakwe said. “Staying in touch every day with my family and I. Also, my trainers and coaches.”
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The plan is for Mbakwe to play cornerback when he gets to Tuscaloosa in a couple of years. Alabama had initially presented to him the possibility of playing either defensive back or wide receiver, but his ultimate highest upside lies in the former.
Mbakwe, who camped at the school last month, shared his thoughts on his future position coach.
“On the field, he’s a great coach. I like that,” Mbakwe said of Robinson. “Off the field, he’s a great person. Cool. Just laid-back and chill.”
Those following Mbakwe’s recruitment and who have seen his tape know that he’s one of the more versatile players in the country.
Mbakwe says that not only is Alabama getting a difference maker in the secondary; they’re also adding a person with ideal intangibles.
“Work ethic is great,” Mbakwe said. “Great guy. Great IQ player. Great off the field. Just a great person in general. My speed, obviously. Know how to get in and out of my breaks. Matching up with the best guy on the field and things like that.”
To conclude our conversation, we asked Mbakwe for his message to Alabama’s fan base. It took just two words for him to convey what he’s feeling now that he’s committed to the Crimson Tide.
“I’m home,” Mbakwe said.
