Jaylen Mbakwe appears to have completed the transition from defensive back to wide receiver for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
The former five-star prospect spent the whole 2024 regular season at defensive back. Reporters noticed him playing wide receiver and wearing No. 6 at practice last week after deciding not to enter the transfer portal.
On Monday, DeBoer updated the Crimson Tide’s plans for Mbakwe, saying they will continue to’move in this route’ with the Alabama native.
“I think right now where it’s transitioning to just with the opportunities there at that position, I think it’s something that based on what we’ve seen here through the first couple almost two weeks now of him taking reps,” DeBoer told the crowd. “He clearly has the skill set and is very enthused about what he can achieve for us at that position. He has the speed, and he ran the offense in high school. We have employed him in the punt return game. We’re just pretty comfortable with what he can contribute to the table right now, as he learns the position and the system. I believe we will continue to move in this path with him.
The Alabama head coach also stated that it has been a natural adjustment for Mbakwe.
“He’s really been focused on the offensive side, really all of our bowl prep,” DeBoer told reporters. “It seemed natural, first and foremost because of the stats, but also because of what he is capable of as a football player. Not all men naturally fit into that role.”
