Auburn University did not take advantage of grabbing two talented inside linebackers from its backyard in Reuben Foster and Rashaan Evans – both ended up at Alabama – and with the exception of 2013 (“Kick Six”) and last season, it has regretted the move tremendously.
The same can be said for Louisiana State University, as a top-ranked talent decides on going elsewhere for its education and collegiate career each year. Alabama head football coach, Nick Saban has stolen a multitude of players from Louisiana in his quest of winning national championships; however, only two hailed from Baton Rouge and one returns next week.
Dylan Moses was a Butkus Award-winning linebacker in his senior season at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., but he collected 104 tackles with three sacks during his junior year (2015) at University Lab in Louisiana.
He was the No. 5 overall prospect in the ESPN 300 upon signing with Alabama in its 2017 class, and his exceptional size was one thing coaches saw instantly.
The 6-foot-3, 233-pounder is strong, yet instinctive.
Moses provided a contribution is his first matchup with his hometown school, collecting 1.5 sacks and 1.5 tackles for loss. His ability to attack the learning curve made him a candidate for Southeastern Conference’s All-Freshman Team. He finished 2017 with 30 total tackles, including 5.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.
The former five-star also posted his first career interception against Mercer, but his mission is silencing the pit of horror known simply as “Death Valley.” As for combination of Moses and Lyndell “Mack” Wilson at middle linebacker, the improvements have been strong in the last few weeks, especially with Alabama starting to look like a fearsome group on defense. Now a sophomore, Moses’ production has increased as he is among the team leaders in total tackles (42, second) and tackles for loss (7.5, fourth) while having 2.5 sacks in eight games.
Much talking has been done all week about how the Tide is not ready for the Tigers; nevertheless, there is nothing that Moses would want more than to ruin LSU’s chances of representing the SEC West in Atlanta and possibly representing the conference in the College Football Playoff. With College Football GameDay headed to Baton Rouge, Moses is ready to bring the noise and he will lead the intensity of an Alabama front that will make a statement.
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 @CoachingMSmith.
