He is mixing hard work with fun and it is paying off for him as a true freshman at the University of Alabama.
Malachi Moore was not highly talked about in the 2020 recruiting cycle, but the four-star defensive back has quickly become a superstar on a defense that is slowly finding itself.
His work ethic in preseason camp impressed Nick Saban enough to where the alumnus of Hewitt-Trussville (Ala.) High School won the starting job at nickel. He has played well through four games and was a critical piece in helping the Crimson Tide shut the Georgia Bulldogs off the scoreboard in the second half to remain undefeated.
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Moore’s interception off Stetson Bennett in the third quarter allowed the Tide to push its lead to 34-24, and it won the game by a score of 41-24.
After earning a 52-24 victory over Texas A&M at Bryant-Denny Stadium, Coach Saban told local reporters about how Moore has a knack for learning from his mistakes and desires to be the best. His teammates see him as a confident player, especially with how he studies the game.
Moore shares the team lead for interceptions (two) and pass breakups (three), while having 18 tackles, one tackle for loss and one quarterback hurry. He was named Freshman of the Week via the Southeastern Conference for his outing against the Aggies and he continues to get better.
Delivery intercepted pic.twitter.com/G2NPKXdvAX
— SEConCBS (@SEConCBS) October 18, 2020
According to Patrick Surtain II, junior cornerback for the Tide, Moore is a very ‘valuable’ asset to the secondary.
“He is prepared every day,” Surtain said of Moore on Monday. “He steps in confident at practice and it shows on the field. He’s getting better each and every week. The sky is the limit for him.”
His push is even generating attention from former stars in the National Football League.
Ryan Clark, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers and an alumnus of Louisiana State University, sees the effort Moore has put into his craft.
Prior to being an NFL analyst for ESPN, he spent 13 seasons in the league — including seven (2006-13) with the Steelers.
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Clark won a Super Bowl in the 2008 season and made the Pro Bowl in 2011.
When Moore’s name was brought up to him, Clark said the young man ‘will be a star.’
Met the kid last summer.. Follow him on social. He is a great kid, excellent young player. Will be a star https://t.co/RR5j4AOwzj
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) October 20, 2020
Tide fans are seeing the potential. The 6-foot, 182-pounder is a secure tackler with strong instincts and ball skills.
He made a textbook interception against Texas A&M and was in the right spot for a pick versus the Bulldogs. Some people have started to compare him to former All-America safety and Jim Thorpe Award winner, Minkah Fitzpatrick.
He played three years at Alabama (2015-17) and was one of the best defensive backs in school history. Fitzpatrick is in his first full season with the Steelers, but he was on two College Football Playoff National Championship teams (2015, 2017) with the Crimson Tide.
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The New Jersey native was exceptional when it came to pick-sixes and sacking quarterbacks on design blitz packages.
Moore has to grow in both areas, but he will develop. For now, he is comfortable in his role and is dominating.
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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.
