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More true freshmen that could be ready to play

By Zach Breathwaite

The Crimson Tide football team continued practice Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, as they prepare for the season opener and the first game under new head coach Kalen DeBoer. Alabama defensive back Jaylen Mbakwe (9) runs a drill using a band to restrict his lower legs.
The Crimson Tide football team continued practice Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, as they prepare for the season opener and the first game under new head coach Kalen DeBoer. Alabama defensive back Jaylen Mbakwe (9) runs a drill using a band to restrict his lower legs. / Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK
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Alabama’s loaded 2024 recruiting class was full of blue chip prospects and was ranked second nationally. The group has gotten right to work, with several members that could be ready to contribute in year one.

It is well-known that 5-star wide receiver Ryan Williams and 5-star cornerback Zabien Brown are ready to go. Williams and Brown are expected to be major contributors, if not starters, when the season kicks off against Western Kentucky on August 31st. 

Brown was a member of a ridiculously talented secondary class for the Crimson Tide. Fellow true freshmen Jaylen Mbakwe, Zay Mincey, and Red Morgan could also prove to be rotational pieces in the secondary. Mbakwe has really progressed this offseason and has impressed the coaching staff early in fall camp. He is making a strong push at corner and could be on the field early for the Tide. 

Red Morgan was the talk of spring practice, showing maturity and preparation beyond his years while playing with the first team at Husky. Redshirt junior Devonta Smith is expected to ultimately start at the position, but Morgan has proven to be trustworthy thus far and has made the competition interesting. 

Linebacker Justin Okoronkwo has also shown flashes of talent this offseason. The German product probably won’t see the field much in year one, as Alabama has a lot of experienced depth at inside linebacker. Veterans Deontae Lawson, Jihaad Campbell, Justin Jefferson, and Jeremiah Alexander make up a formidable two-deep, but Okoronkwo has shown that he can eventually contribute here. 

On the offensive side of the ball, true freshman Caleb Odom has only flown under the radar because of all the buzz surrounding Ryan Williams. At 6’5” and nearly 230 pounds, Odom brings an entirely new dynamic to the Alabama receiver room. He was one of the top tight ends in the class of 2024, but had enough mobility and athleticism to transition to wide receiver at the SEC level. So far, he is making noise at wideout, making one of the best catches of the first fall scrimmage.

Odom’s talent, and his unique skill set, might make him a key part of the offense in 2024.

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