Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe sees "a guy," in Mbakwe, who is "trying to learn," who is soaking in the teaching of wide receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard, one who is already eager to make an impact in the offensive game plan and not be a wide receiver in name only.

Alabama freshman Jaylen Mbakwe spent the entirety of his freshman year playing cornerback, but has been practicing at wide receiver throughout preparations for the ReliaQuest Bowl due to the Crimson Tide’s limited personnel available at the position.

For about 24 hours, Alabama footbal l faced a world without Jaylen Mbakwe. Shortly after 5 p.m. Monday, the freshman defensive back confirmed a report that had been swirling, that the "best step for my personal and professional development and the future I'm working towards" was not in Tuscaloosa, not with the Crimson Tide.

At least in the brief media viewing period of Alabama football practice that lasted about 10 minutes. The Crimson Tide practiced for the first time on Friday at Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa ahead of the ReliaQuest Bowl, and Mbakwe was working with the wide receivers during that period.

TAMPA, Fla. — Jaylen Mbakwe is back on offense. In Alabama football's first practice ahead of Tuesday's ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan, the freshman cornerback is practicing with the wide receivers, a position he played at Clay-Chalkville High School in Pinson, Alabama.

Five Alabama football signees are participating in ReliaQuest Bowl practices. Here's a look at each from the practice field in Tampa.

Jalen Hale, the second-year former four-star wide receiver, was on the practice field working with the wide receivers ahead of the ReliaQuest Bowl.

Footage from the Crimson Tide's Friday practice in Tampa, including Kalen DeBoer, Jalen Milroe, Ryan Williams and Jaylen Mbakwe at wide receiver.