Jaylen Moody has waited five years to be a starting linebacker for the University of Alabama.
He arrived in 2018 as a three-star from South Carolina and developed into the playbook. Moody has seen time on special teams and defense, but he’s earned Nick Saban’s trust. The 6-foot-2, 225-pounder has been on three Southeastern Conference Championship teams (2018, 2020, 2021) and a College Football Playoff National Championship team in 2020.
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He has filled in for injured players and stepped up in big moments off the bench. Moody withdrew his name from the NCAA transfer portal and returned to the Tide because he wants to be dominant in Tuscaloosa. Coach Saban knows Moody has what it takes to help the defense become the best in college football in the fall. He sat behind Mack Wilson, Dylan Moses, Joshua McMillon, Christian Harris, and Shane Lee (transferred), but Moody is excited to grab this chance by the horns as a starter.
He posted photos on Instagram with the caption, “I finally got the ball N my court and I ain’t gonna lose it.”
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Several of his teammates are excited for him, including Malachi Moore, DeMarcco Hellams, Traeshon Holden, Henry To’oto’o, Devonta Smith, Deontae Lawson, Cameron Latu, and Kool-Aid McKinstry.
Moody has wanted to be with the Crimson Tide. He is prepared to end his career on a high note.
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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.
