TAMPA − Alabama football freshman Jaylen Mbakwe has made a switch from cornerback to wide receiver to play an emergency role in Tuesday's ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan , but the move might well be permanent.
UA coach Kalen DeBoer hinted at that, anyway, during a pre-bowl news conference.
"I think you'll see us continue to move in this direction with him," said DeBoer. "He's really been focused on the offensive side, really all of our bowl prep."
A promising freshman and a former five-star recruit, Mbakwe showed impressive flashes of potential at both cornerback and punt returner in his first season at Alabama , but did not start in either role. Earlier this month, he announced he would enter the transfer portal, then backed out less than 24 hours later. It's unclear whether a more permanent move to receiver was part of his decision to remain with the Crimson Tide , but he is close friends with fellow freshman and star receiver Ryan Williams .
Alabama lost four scholarship receivers to the NCAA's winter transfer portal, leaving the Crimson Tide short-handed at the position for the bowl game.
Reach Tuscaloosa News columnist Chase Goodbread at cgoodbread@gannett.com. Follow on X @chasegoodbread.
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This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Is Mbakwe's move to WR permanent for Alabama football? DeBoer weighs in
