Pete Golding, Alabama’s defensive coordinator, spoke highly of one player in preseason camp.
He has been around Jaylen Moody for five seasons in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Golding wanted more consistency from Moody, and he got it in the season opener. As a former three-star in the 2018 recruiting class, Moody earned the starting job at weakside “Will” linebacker. As a South Carolina native, he has made plays when given opportunities. Moody has shown the coaching staff his ability to be reliable as a rotational ‘backer and core special teams player.
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The trust he’s built with Coach Nick Saban allowed him to have his moment against Utah State.
Moody led the Crimson Tide’s defense for total tackles (six) in a 55-0 victory over the Aggies.
He shared a team-high three solo tackles, including one for loss. Moody had one pressure on Aggies’ quarterback Logan Bonner and assisted the Tide in allowing 136 total yards and seven first downs. The 6-foot-2, 225-pounder stuck his nose in on several plays and drilled running backs in the hole. He executed assignment football perfectly, helping the first-team defense allow 58 yards offensively and one first down to Utah State. Moody became the middle linebacker for Alabama’s backups and still prevented the Aggies from scoring.
Utah State is not the most challenging opponent, but Moody gave Tide fans a feeling of Rashaan Evans, Reggie Ragland, Reuben Foster, and linebackers of recent years under Saban. He came in with toughness, physicality, and finished plays. Alabama has lacked a thumper at linebacker for a few years.
Injuries limited Dylan Moses, Christian Harris was more of a coverage linebacker, and Shane Lee did not have the speed. Moody gives the Tide a hard-hitter, secure tackler, a pass rush option, and lateral quickness. He patiently waited for his moment, and game one was a success.
If Moody continues this performance against Texas, more eyes will be opened to him.
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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.
