Brian Branch’s former University of Alabama teammate, Nick Johnson, has the opportunity to get revenge on Branch by projecting himself as a first-round pick in the NFL Draft the following year.
It was the right decision for Malachi Moore to return to school for a fifth year. Even when Nick Saban retired, he managed to win over the Crimson Tide supporters by sticking with the program.
Moore, a Trussville, Alabama, native, embraced Kalen DeBoer’s philosophy and won everyone over with his “If it ain’t wearing Crimson” outlook. Despite suffering severe injuries, the former four-star player recovered to become the team’s permanent captain in 2023. Under Kevin Steele’s leadership, he propelled Alabama’s defense to the SEC title and a College Football Playoff berth. In addition to five tackles for loss, five pass breakups, a quarterback hurry, and an interception, Moore concluded the previous season with 52 total tackles. The 198-pound, 6-foot-3 player has accepted the role of strong safety after switching from slot cornerback (nickel).
Maurice Linguist, Colin Hitschler, and Kane Wommack, Alabama’s defensive coaches, adore Moore’s leadership. On Saturday, Hitschler informed the media that Moore’s decision to remain was DeBoer’s “best recruiting.””
Moore is familiar with the expectations of this place, Hitschler noted.
“He holds guys accountable and sets the standard every day.”
Hitschler is eager to watch Moore’s progress throughout his rookie campaign at safety.
Moore was a four-star recruit in the 2020 Tide signing class, although he attended Hewitt-Trussville High School and played safety. He feels at ease tracking the ball and playing in the deeper portion of the field. Moore has established a rhythm at free safety during practice with Michigan transfer Keon Sabb. As seasoned men, the two get along well with one other.
In his fourth year at Alabama, DeVonta Smith was a member of the 2021 class.
The gifted defensive back claimed that Moore’s zeal was contagious to him. Smith, a Cincinnati, Ohio native, was a four-star safety when he first joined the team. Like Moore, he overcame ailments, but he’s ready to make a big contribution come fall.
Smith described his relationship with Moore in the secondary as one in which “we just keep each other up.”
Even when someone is absent from a play, he keeps us motivated and engaged for the subsequent act. It’s about trusting each other, and he’s still having fun outside.
Moore has a CFP National Championship ring from 2020 as well as three SEC Championship rings (2020–21, 2023) to his name.
Moore wants to get everyone in sync in the spring before pursuing a second national title in the fall.
