Jaylen Mbakwe “Trending” to Full Time Wide Receiver

Tampa, FL. - Alabama is incredibly thin at wide receiver for this bowl game, with only four scholarship wide receivers available for the contest - Ryan Williams, Germie Bernard, Rico Scott, and Jaren Hamilton.

Jalen Hale, Cole Adams, and Bubba Hampton are dealing with injuries and won't play for Alabama, while Caleb Odom, Kendrick Law, Emmanuel Henderson Jr., and Kobe Prentice have found new homes via the transfer portal.

It was reported on Friday that Alabama former defensive back Jaylen Mbakwe was participating in drills on offense at wide receiver, a position he has some familiarity with from his days in high school. On Monday, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer was asked about the move, and whether it was a permanent switch or a two-way situation.

"I think you'll see us continue to move in this direction with him," DeBoer said. "He's really been focused on the offensive side, really all of our bowl prep."

Mbakwe spent his freshman season as a defensive back, totaling 15 tackles, two pass breakups, and one interception. With the move to wide receiver, Mbakwe is familiar with the ball in his hands, playing quarterback and receiver in high school before switching to DB at Alabama.

During his senior year in 2023, Mbakwe moved to quarterback and totaled 2,007 passing yards, 20 passing touchdowns, 1,065 rushing yards, and 23 rushing touchdowns en route to a 6A State Championship win, a game he was named MVP for with 282 yards and four total touchdowns.

Wyatt Fulton is the TIde 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.