On3 Top 20 2024 Countdown: No. 5, ATH Jaylen Mbakwe

As the 2024 class is just finishing their first or second season of varsity football, their skill sets — and ultimately evaluations — will change drastically in the next two years. The physical transformations that happen in between sophomore and junior season are the biggest at any point in the recruiting process. That makes it challenging to nail down the truly elite prospects that deserve five-star status.

As such, On3 has given out just three of those honors in its second full ranking of the 2024 class. There are, however, a number of players vying to break into that group over the next 12-18 months. Within our most recent rankings release, we’re counting down the top 20 sophomore prospects in the country. Checking in as the No. 5 prospect in the Class of 2024 is Pinson (Ala.) Clay-Chalkville athlete Jaylen Mbakwe.

The 5-foot-11, 170-pounder has fielded offers from across the country, including Alabama, Oklahoma, Oregon, USC, Auburn, Michigan and more.

With the 2023 cycle about to hit a fever pitch, much of the attention around the recruiting world is on the rising senior class. But the recruitments of the country’s best 2024 prospects are taking off as well. Schools across the country are already in the thick of things with the sophomore class. And top-end prospects already racking up double-digit offer lists and a few already committing. Those players won’t be able to sign for another year and a half. But getting in early on their recruitment is becoming a bigger priority than ever.

Jaylen Mbakwe Scouting Summary

“One of the more dynamic two-way athletes early on in the 2024 cycle. Stars on both sides of the ball for one of the top high school programs in Alabama. Has outstanding play speed, backed up by a personal best of 10.74 seconds in the 100 meters mid-way through his sophomore track season. Pulls away in the open field, easily out-running defenders. Dynamic with the ball in his hands both as a receiver and return man. Also shows the ability to separate on vertical routes. Returned several kicks for touchdowns. Also doubles as a productive defensive back, with high level ball production, totaling 4 interceptions and 12 pass breakups as a sophomore. Should he end up at defensive back, will need to continue honing his technical skills. Projects as one of the more electric athletes in the 2024 cycle.” — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings