Five Alabama freshmen have made an impression so far this spring

Here is a look at five garnering the most attention:

Red Morgan

The coaches and players of Alabama football have praised Red Morgan all spring long. As a four-star defensive back prospect who played much bigger than his stated height and weight, Morgan closed on the ball with heat-seeking speed when he signed with the Crimson Tide. Morgan has been one of the standouts of the Tide’s freshmen class this spring, according to Kalen DeBoer. After the 2023 football season, Alabama lost a number of players from its secondary, and Morgan seems to have put himself in a position to be effective right away given the numerous losses.

Alabama freshman DB Red Morgan impressing early in Tuscaloosa.

Malachi Moore feels once he understands ‘the nuances of college football’ he will be a great player for the Tide.

Morgan’s impressive closing speed and fierce playing style stood out coming out of Phenix City. pic.twitter.com/mzKnidtiMz

— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) March 7, 2024

Caleb Odom

Originally signed as a tight end, Odom has switched to wide receiver with the Crimson Tide. Even though Odom was regarded as a tight end potential, he was utilized more as Carrollton’s receiver while he was a member of the Trojans. Several Alabama receivers have praised him, notably Kendrick Law, who likened the 6-foot-5 rookie to George Pickens.

“Caleb Odom is a wide receiver. He is not a tight end…When I look at him, I kind of see George Pickens.”

Kendrick Law loves what he is seeing from Alabama freshman, Caleb Odom. pic.twitter.com/mggb6kanYe

— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) March 9, 2024

Zabien Brown

Brown’s sophisticated method of covering is impressive. This is not shocking, given his appearance in the Mater Dei movie. The California product, who played at the high school level like a polished college defensive back, has what many refer to as “teach tape.” He and Morgan have received nice remarks from DeBoer.

DeBoer stated, “Those two in particular have definitely been highlighted throughout these first five practices.” Red made a couple of really good plays tonight, and Zabien has been incredibly reliable—far more so than you would anticipate from a player this young. Those two guys have been incredibly encouraging.

Young Alabama defensive backs impressing at spring practice.

“They have certainly been highlighted throughout these first five practices. Red made a nice play or two today and Zabien has been super consistent.”

Kalen DeBoer on Zabien Brown and Red Morgan. pic.twitter.com/Hisioe6K58

— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) March 23, 2024

Peyton Woodyard

Another defensive back from California, Woodyard inked a contract with Alabama in the 2024 recruiting class. His versatility as a defensive back, which allows him to line up in various spots within the secondary, was what made him most well-known. Having practiced with Alabama’s second string this spring, he appears to be in a decent spot on the depth chart for a freshman team.

Alabama freshman DB Peyton Woodyard has been impressive in spring practice, per Colin Hitschler.

“Peyton is working with the 2s right now, but he’s making a lot of plays. He’s grinding, he’s working, he’s focused. I love Peyton.”@TDAlabamaMag pic.twitter.com/3h0OfiAJP3

— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) March 24, 2024

Jaylen Mbakwe

The most recent five-star defensive back from Alabama to sign a contract with the Crimson Tide is Mbakwe. As the starting quarterback for Clay-Chalkville as a senior, he guided the team to a 6A State Championship. Some believe he can have an impact as a returner in year one because he also made plays at wide receiver.

Alabama freshman and former 5-Star Jaylen Mbakwe is expected to push for early playing time in Tuscaloosa.

Mbakwe among the first defensive backs through drills today in spring practice. pic.twitter.com/jTd26YDTJL

— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) March 6, 2024