Jaylen Mbakwe has been one of the more versatile football players in the state over the past two seasons at Clay-Chalkville.

One of the top-rated players in the country and a 5-star prospect who committed to Alabama last summer, Mbakwe has contributed to Clay-Chalkville’ success in a multitude of positions, including receiver, running back, defensive back and kick/punt returner.

The 6-foot, 170-pound senior speedster will line up at a new position this season: quarterback.

“He’s the No. 3 player in the country so put your athletes out there and give them the ball and let them play,” said Clay-Chalkville coach Drew Gilmer. “He’s a dynamic athlete. He played quarterback as a young kid growing up and has done it before. Putting him there, now you got an elite runner in there that you got to account for.”

As a junior last season, Mbakwe caught 41 passes for 615 yards and nine touchdowns while running for another 118 yards and two scores. He returned nine kickoffs for 145 yards and two touchdowns in addition to playing defensive back.

During Clay-Chalkville’s 15-0 state Class 6A championship season in 2021, sophomore Mbakwe had 36 catches for 677 yards and nine touchdowns and grabbed four interceptions with 12 pass deflections in addition to adding several touchdowns as a return man on special teams.

Mbakwe is enjoying the move to quarterback.

“It’s fun and I’m just doing whatever the team needs,” Mbakwe said. “I’ve been playing quarterback since I was in little league so that’s probably one of my favorite positions on the field. I’m just having fun with it, taking it day by day and learning.”

The talented Mbakwe chose Alabama over more than 30 offers, including Auburn, Georgia, LSU and the rest of the SEC along with Clemson, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and USC.

He’ll probably play cornerback and return kicks in college since he’s extraordinary with the ball in his hands.

There have been challenges since taking over at quarterback, but Mbakwe relishes opportunity.

“At quarterback you got to know what everybody’s doing, the O-line, running back, tight ends, receivers, defense, linebackers, all that,” Mbakwe said. “I try to get better every day, taking it day by day and working on my craft every day. I have good athletes around me so I feel very comfortable with throwing the ball. I’m a pass first guy anyways, so I’m probably not going to run until I have to.”

Gilmer likes what he has seen from Mbakwe.

“He can distribute the football to all the other guys and he’s a very intelligent kid and he’s a leader.” Gilmer said. “Guys respond to him. That position is so critical that you need a guy who’s another coach on the field. Whoever that is, they guys have to respond to him and they got to all believe in and want to go to battle with him. He’s just that guy that everybody looks up to and does all the right things and we’re excited about his progress there.”