With as many upperclassmen Alabama football carries in its defensive secondary, Nick Saban came away from the Crimson Tide’s first scrimmage of fall practice impressed with two true freshmen.
As a six-time national champion, Saban wants one aspect from players: help the team play winning football. Whether one is a freshman or a graduate student, it plays if Saban sees a winning football mindset.
On Saturday, he provided much insight on Brian Branch and Malachi Moore after the two-hour practice. Both guys arrived in this year’s signing class as four-stars.
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Branch, a native of Tyrone, Ga., graduated Sandy Creek High School as its all-time leader for interceptions. He played at wide receiver, safety and on special teams, totaling 58 tackles, five interceptions and six pass breakups in 2018.
The 6-foot, 190-pounder patterns his game after former Tide safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Moore, who hails from Trussville, Ala., had a monster season year at Hewitt-Trussville High School.
He posted 83 tackles (46 solo stops), five tackles for loss and four interceptions — including two returned for touchdowns. Listed at 6-feet and 182 pounds, Moore put a big hit on Thaiu Jones-Bell (true freshman receiver) at one of the practices.
“Brian Branch and Malachi Moore both have been playing star,” Saban said. “They are both young players and both have shown the potential to play winning football at the position. Both guys have shown promise and hopefully, they will be able to help us this season.”
In losing four defensive backs to the National Football League, Saban wants to see the young talent step up.
The “star” position is one of need and while Patrick Surtain II can play it, Alabama wants to keep him at cornerback.
Saban said the duo of Josh Jobe and Marcus Banks have made ‘significant’ progress at corner.
We have seen many players be impactful as freshmen on defense for the Tide.
Branch and Moore are on the right track.
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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.
