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Jalen Milroe and the Alabama Crimson Tide are gearing up for the ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan on Tuesday, and during practices leading up to the game, a new weapon has emerged at wide receiver for the offense.
Jaylen Mbakwe, who had lined up at cornerback throughout the course of the 2024 campaign, has been getting some reps in at wide receiver during the bowl sessions.
A former 5-star recruit out of Clay, Alabama, Mbakwe announced his decision to enter the transfer portal before reversing course earlier this month. Now, he’s receiving rave reviews from teammates about his skills as a pass-catcher, with Milroe himself pointing out how lethal Mbakwe could be.
“He looks good, he’s definitely talented.” Milroe told reporters, per AL.com. “It’s been good to have him on our offensive side of the ball and see him pick it up. It’s been quick, it’s been a quick turnaround going from DB to receiver, and how much he’s grasped in that short period of time. Imagine if we’d had him the whole season, how well he’d be playing for us. I’m definitely happy to have him on our side of the ball, he’s done a really good job.”
Milroe pointed at Mbakwe’s ability to track the ball as a major reason he could be a successful wide out, with receiver Germie Bernard adding that it’s only a matter of time before the former two-way star finds his niche on offense.
“Bak, he’s a natural athlete,” Bernard said, per AL.com. “There’s things that we can fine-tune and stuff like that, but like I said, he’s a natural athlete. He’s catching the ball well. He runs great routes. He’s dissecting the playbook really well. And, man, I’m glad to have him on our side of the ball.”
Mbakwe originally came to Tuscaloosa as an “Athlete” and settled on the cornerback spot prior to the season. He totaled 15 tackles, a pair of pass breakups and an interception while also working on special teams. Mbakwe returned two punts for 46 yards.
The Crimson Tide and Wolverines kick off at noon ET on New Year’s Eve in Tampa.
Current Missouri student entering my third year of covering Tiger football and basketball. Contributor to The Transfer Portal CFB and overall college athletics enthusiast.
