Alabama has two defensive backs that will be ‘game-time decisions’ for Saturday’s matchup against Texas.
On Thursday, Nick Saban updated reporters and fans on Malachi Moore and Jaylen Key.
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They sustained injuries in a 56-7 victory for the Crimson Tide over Middle Tennessee State, but both practiced this week.
Coach Saban likes the progress they made, but it will come down to how they feel in pregame warmups. Moore and Key want to play as they know the magnitude of this contest early in the season, but Alabama also has capable backups. Earl Little II, a redshirt freshman, is Moore’s backup at ‘Star’ in the nickel defense. Kristian Story, a senior, is Key’s backup at free safety.
Both came in their respective signing classes as four-star athletes.
Little and Story earned reps in the secondary against the Blue Raiders.
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Saban, his coaching staff, and the players trust Little and Story. Alabama fans are hopeful to have Moore and Key start the matchup and perform well. However, the Tide will have Little and Story ready to go if they are needed.
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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.
