On Monday afternoon, the final Top247 player rankings were made public, and Nick Saban left a small memento in the secondary
On Monday afternoon, the final 2024 Top247 player rankings were revealed. Several Alabama signees saw significant increases in the rankings, with two cornerbacks earning their fifth-star status.
Following outstanding senior seasons and standout performances at the All-American game in San Antonio, Texas, Zabien Brown (Santa Ana, CA) and Zavier Mincey (Daytona Beach, FL) respectively, shot up 24 and 60 spots in the rankings. Jaylen Mbakwe, a cornerback from Pinson, Alabama, moved up ten spots to the No. 12 overall player in the nation while maintaining his five-star ranking.
Here’s a brief glance at the trio’s position:
- No. 2 cornerback and No. 12 overall player Jaylen Mbakwe, a five-star prospect from Pinson, Alabama
- Five-star Zabien Brown (Santa Ana, California) is ranked No. 22 overall and No. 3 among cornerbacks.
- Top-ranked Zavier Mincey (Daytona Beach, FL) at cornerback, ranking No. 4 overalland No. 31 overall
Additionally, Mbakwe and Mincey were chosen by 247Sports Gabe Brooks as two of his “ten players favorite NFL player comparisons.” Terrion Arnold, Stephon Gilmore, Zavier Mincey, and Jaylen Mbakwe.
On the 247Sports Youtube channel, Andrew Ivins and Cooper Petagna provided some commentary as the final Top247 Rankings were announced.
What statements did they make? Bama247 simplifies everything for quick reading.
Jaylen Mbakwe (No. 31 overall)
“May be the class’s tallest 5-foot-11 defensive back. In Orlando, he appeared to be 6-foot-1. This young man only played quarterback as a senior because his team needed him to, and he helped them win the state championship. We were interested in seeing him in coverage; how did he appear in one-on-ones? He was sticky in the coverage and excellent in Orlando. This is a man who can work both inside and outside the field. He’s a playmaker, so (I) really like the fit at Alabama.”
Zabien Brown (No. 22 overall)
“He works as a technician. He is, in my opinion, one of the most seamless corners we have encountered in the last few cycles. playing football at his best right now. He finished his last five games with three interceptions. arrives at the All-American Bowl and is among the few players capable of competing with the nation’s top player, Jeremiah Smith. You shouldn’t be concerned about Zabien’s recovery speed because he won’t be beaten deeply because he is usually in the right position.” – Andrew Ivins
Zavier Mincey (No. 31 overall)
“A significant mover in our eyes. He advanced forty places. We adore this man. We considered being safe. I believe he can stay in the corner. Arms that are over 33 inches long. One more guy having an amazing week in San Antonio. When you consider Alabama, players like Terrion Arnold come to mind as capable nickel backs. Zavier Mincey’s versatility at this position is particularly appealing to me. – Petagna Cooper
Subsequently, (Andrew) Ivins and (Cooper) Petagna continued to discuss the group as a whole.
“It’s Nick Saban’s farewell gift, correct? I adore how each of these three guys—Jaylen Mbakwe, Zay Mincey, and Zabien Brown—is a little bit unique. In my opinion, the three of them may eventually start in the same secondary together. You can play Zabien Brown as an outsider, Jaylen Mbakwe as a slot player, and Zay Mincey as the true wild card. We spent a lot of time searching for openings to enter that (top 32).
I believe Alabama will follow suit. We had him listed as a safety, saw him in San Antonio, and said, “Okay, we’ll figure it out later.” All three of them could be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.” – Andrew Ivins
“When I consider these three defensive backs, my first thought is that they are all capable of playing together. Zay Mincey is a cornerback, a safety, and a versatile player. I believe you look at a player like Jaylen Mbakwe, who can play the nickel, the deep pass, and a variety of other positions. Zabien Brown is a versatile cornerback with technical skill who can play on the outside.
I adore Jaylen Mbakwe and his future self. We don’t talk about it much, but his hands are what make him so dynamic with the ball. While Terry Bussey is often discussed when it comes to offensive play, what about Jaylen Mbakwe in the rematch? You wish to discuss how important it is for freshmen to stand out, but don’t be shocked if Jaylen Mbakwe takes a few items and brings them home.”
