JaylenMbakwe
Film
Reminds Us Of
Florida State · HS Class of 2006
2010 Draft · Rnd 1 · Pick 32Jaylen Mbakwe's size, athleticism and ability as a two-way playmaker who projects to corner long-term reminds us of Patrick Robinson.
Team Predictions
Scouting Report
One of the more dynamic two-way athletes early on in the 2024 cycle. Has starred on both sides of the ball for one of the top high school programs in Alabama. Measured at a shade under 5-foot-11 and around 170 pounds with a 30.5-inch arm and 8.25-inch hand. Has outstanding play speed, which he backs up on the track. Won the Alabama state titles in the 100m (10.70 seconds) and 200m (21.57 seconds) as a junior. 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. Has several kicks for touchdowns. Spent much of his time on offense as a junior, despite projecting as a cornerback long-term. Was a productive defensive back as a sophomore with high level ball production, totaling 4 interceptions and 12 pass breakups. Has a smaller, slighter frame and will need to continue honing his technique once he fully focuses on playing cornerback.
Read MoreMeasurements & Testing
Personal Life
Pinson (Alabama) Clay-Chalkville coach Drew Gilmer can’t say enough good things about Jaylen Mbakwe. “I absolutely love the kid to death,” Gilmer told AL.com. “He’s a phenomenal football player and deserves to be No. 1 in the state. He might be No. 1 in any class. I love him even more as a person. He’s a phenomenal human being. He makes us better as a team every time he walks in the door. He always has a smile on his face. You name it, he can do it.” Gilmer’s point was made clear by watching Mbakwe as a freshman and sophomore when he played receiver, defensive back, returned kicks and punts and was the team’s backup quarterback. He was a critical factor in Clay-Chalkville’s run to the 6A state championship in 2021. He did more of the same in 2022. “He has elite speed,” Gilmer said. “He’s a track kid. I think he ran 10.4 in the 100-meter as a freshman. You can’t teach that. The other thing is he is very intelligent, very savvy. He has great instincts, great ball skills on both sides of the ball. He always seems to be at the right place at the right time. He just kind of has a knack for that. I haven’t found anything he doesn’t do well.”
Contacts
- Email—
- Phone—
- Instagram@mbakwe
- X@JayMbakwe
- TikTok@thejaylenmbakwe