“Where is Malachi Moore?”
This was a frequently asked question at the Rose Bowl Game on last week. As a second-team All-SEC and Freshman All-SEC selection for this season, Moore did not play against Notre Dame.
He was dressed out with his No. 13 on, but the Trussville (Ala.) native did not see action.
The University of Alabama football team did not suffer with him not on the field; however, it did not stop fans from constantly asking about his whereabouts. Upon the conclusion of the matchup, Nick Saban said Moore sustained an injury in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game and it was one that ‘aggravated’ him when he tried to exercise.
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He was held out of the Rose Bowl and Saban listed the four-star as ‘day-to-day.’ During his availability with reporters on Thursday, Patrick Surtain II gave an update on Moore throughout this week of practice.
“He’s looked fine,” Surtain said of Moore. “He’s moving out there. He should be ready to go.”
No one knows the exact injury Moore suffered, but it’s good to see him looking better.
In the opinion of Tide fans, he has served as Defensive MVP for the season.
Moore chimes in with 44 tackles, four tackles for loss, six pass breakups, two quarterback hurries, one forced fumble, three interceptions (team-high), one fumble recovery and one touchdown.
Ohio State has some marquee playmakers on the outside at wide receiver, but having Moore on the field puts Alabama at full strength in its defensive secondary.
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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
