Alabama Pacifies 5-Star Freshman After He Threatened To Leave [Video]

Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne asked Crimson Tide fans to “fight back” after defensive back Jaylen Mbakwe threatened to leave the program for approximately 24 hours. The former five-star recruit was lured into the transfer portal by a lucrative NIL offer from another SEC team.

In addition to money, the suitor presented him with the opportunity to play snaps on offense.

Mbakwe initially committed to play college football at Alabama approximately 18 months before Nick Saban decided to retire. He ultimately stuck with the commitment after Kalen DeBoer was hired despite a late push from Auburn. However, his freshman season did not go as well as he had hoped.

The 5-foot-11, 192-pound corner recorded 15 tackles and one interception in limited action during only seven games. Alabama prioritized Malachi Moore, Bray Hubbard, Domani Jackson and Keon Sabb over Mbakwe.

There is still a lot of potential for the top-12 recruit to blossom into an All-American …