A lot will be expected from Malachi Moore next season.
He has been chosen by ESPN and Fox Sports as a defensive breakout player for the 2021 campaign. According to RJ Young of Fox Sports, the rising sophomore is listed as the top-ranked defensive breakout player. Moore, a four-star in Alabama’s 2020 recruiting class, taught himself the defense and was a dominant performer.
He led the Crimson Tide’s secondary with three interceptions.
These guys got next 💪😤
Which of @RJ_Young‘s defensive breakout candidates are you most excited to see take the field next season? pic.twitter.com/KHtAKnBx6K
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) January 30, 2021
The 6-foot, 182-pounder finished with 44 tackles, four tackles for loss, six pass breakups, two quarterback hurries, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one touchdown.
He allowed one touchdown reception against him all season and was named second-team All-SEC for his efforts. Moore would also grab SEC All-Freshman team and Freshman All-American honors from the Football Writers Association of America.
Despite missing games versus Notre Dame and Ohio State, the Trussville (Ala.) native did enough to make national media account for him. He was one of four players to win Outstanding Defensive Performer from Alabama’s coaching staff at the team’s annual awards banquet in Birmingham.
Moore was exceptional at slot cornerback or star (nickel), but the two legends he’s often compared to were both safeties.
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Does the Tide transition him to the spot that made Minkah Fitzpatrick and George Teague big leaders?
This remains to be seen. For now, Moore returns as arguably the best player in the defensive backfield.
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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
