TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — University of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban was pleased with the performance of the Crimson Tide’s freshman class as a whole, but the Southeastern Conference coaches looked at two guys in particular as quality contributors this season.
Per the league’s office in Birmingham on Thursday, linebacker Dylan Moses and wide receiver Henry Ruggs III represented Alabama on the conference’s All-Freshman Team for 2017.
Moses, a five-star from Baton Rouge, La., turned in 30 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one interception. He posted a season-high 11 tackles – including 10 solo stops, four tackles for loss and a pick in the Tide’s 56-0 victory over Mercer on senior day.
Prior to that game, Moses racked up 1.5 sacks versus LSU in Alabama’s 24-10 win.
As for Ruggs, he joined Lynn Bowden of Kentucky, Larry Rountree III of Missouri and De’Vion Warren of Arkansas in being tied for All-Freshman SEC return specialist. A five-star weapon from Montgomery, Ala., Ruggs returned eight punts for 46 yards and 10 kicks for 191 yards.
He was featured piece in the red zone as quarterback Jalen Hurts found him for a team-high five touchdowns. Ruggs chimes in with 175 yards receiving on seven catches, netting an average of 25 yards per reception (team-high).
Both he and Moses will be instrumental in the Crimson Tide’s push for a national championship. Alabama is scheduled to face Clemson on Jan. 1, 2018.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
