Rashaan Evans was the last elite-level inside linebacker for Alabama in the Nick Saban era, but Reuben Foster was the most recent to have a lasting impression on the Crimson Tide’s fan base.
It has been a while since the Tide has had a true thumper at the position. Dylan Moses and Joshua McMillon dealt with injuries, Shane Lee was not quick enough, Christian Harris was versatile (played defensive back in high school), and Henry To’oto’o is smart but does not fit the profile of former Tide linebackers. Jaylen Moody looks, feels, and plays like the old Alabama ‘backers.
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He performs like C.J. Mosley, Reggie Ragland, Foster, Shaun Dion Hamilton, and Evans. All of those names prepared well, watched countless hours of film, gained leadership on defense, and played very hard. An opponent felt pain when Mosley, Ragland, Foster, Hamilton, and Evans hit it with force. Opposing offenses are starting to feel pain when Moody comes at them.
As a fifth-year senior from South Carolina, Moody won a starting job at inside linebacker during fall camp. He led Alabama for total tackles in two games (16), and the team sees his effort. On Wednesday, Coach Saban praised Moody for his preparation.
“He plays hard,” Saban said. “We had a few missed tackles as a defense last week, and we have to get that cleaned up. People have to run their feet on contact, but he’s been responsible. He’s done a good job preparing and has played well.”
DeMarcco Hellams, a senior safety, came to Alabama in its 2019 signing class. Moody arrived in the previous class, but the Washington D.C. native enjoys being around the former three-star. Hellams echoes Saban’s statement about Moody.
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“It’s his preparation,” Hellams said. “I spend a lot of time with Moody. He takes the game seriously. He watches a lot of film and studies the tendencies of offenses. He also watches what he needs to improve on. He is doing a great job.”
Will Anderson, a junior outside linebacker, is pleased with how Moody has increased his football intelligence.
He said Moody has always had something special about him, but it has been incredible watching him step up. Alabama needs other guys to take the pressure off Anderson and Dallas Turner, but Moody is doing his part.
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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.
