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To Jaylen Mbakwe, the move from Alabama football defensive back to wide receiver was simple.
In a video for his “New Wave” podcast that normally pairs him with teammate Ryan Williams, Mbakwe, who just finished his freshman season with the Crimson Tide, explained a move that proved to be the talk of bowl season for Alabama, a move that was highlighted by his brief entry into the NCAA transfer portal.
Mbakwe didn’t take long to explain why he wanted to move from defensive back to wide receiver.
“Because I want to get the ball in my hands and showcase my talent,” Mbakwe said.
After transitioning from defensive back to wide receiver before Alabama’s ReliaQuest Bowl loss to Michigan, Mbakwe did not record a reception against the Wolverines.
But Mbakwe is a receiver in whom Alabama has “trust,” Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer said in December, because of his experience as a receiver at Clay-Chalkville High School in Pinson, Alabama, recording 41 catches for 615 yards and nine touchdowns.
Class of 2026 wide receiver Corey Barber, who calls himself “best friends” with Mbakwe, expects the former corner to fit right into the Alabama offense with “unfair” speed.
“That speed he has is different,” Barber told the Tuscaloosa News in February. “He’s a great route runner. I really feel like he could be some real help in that receiver room, you know, just being a deep threat and a guy that can change the game.”
Despite the move, Mbakwe still calls Alabama “DBU.”
“I’m still a DB at heart,” Mbakwe said.
Why does Jaylen Mbakwe wear a 777 chain?
Mbakwe also explained a key piece of his game day outfit.
Mbakwe has posted pictures of himself wearing a “777” chain, something he has adopted as a mantra.
“777, it means jackpot, taking a risk at something,” Mbakwe said. “Shoutout to my jackpot boys.”
Mbakwe added he has a “777” tattoo on his leg.
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.
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