Alabama’s defense is expected to return to its fearsome form next fall, and much of the reason is the return of Dylan Moses at inside linebacker. The junior and former five-star from Baton Rouge, La., will captain a group that looks to redeem itself – following a performance of allowing 44 points to the Clemson Tigers in its College Football Playoff National Championship loss in January.
Moses was the Crimson Tide’s leading tackler in 2018 (86 stops) and posted 10 tackles for loss with 3.5 sacks, helping the team secure a Southeastern Conference title.
The 6-foot-3, 235-pounder was a finalist for the Dick Butkus Award; however, he has an opportunity to win a major defensive honor in the upcoming season.
According to a press release from the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation on last week, Moses was named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list for 2019. Named after College and Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive back, Ronnie Lott, the Lott IMPACT Trophy is awarded to the best defensive IMPACT player in college football.
The honor is presented at Newport Beach, Calif., and recognizes the student-athlete that possesses the following qualities: Integrity. Maturity. Performance. Academics. Community. Tenacity.
It’s an award based on personal character along with excellence in athletics.
Moses is one of seven SEC players on the list as he intends on having a monster year, and one that may possibly project him as a first-round pick for the 2020 NFL Draft. DeMeco Ryans, a former Tide standout, was the last player in program history to win the award in 2005.
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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.
