Alabama football is getting a major boost for its defense in 2024.
Malachi Moore (defensive back) and Deontae Lawson (linebacker) did not like how the 2023 season ended for the Crimson Tide.
According to ESPN’s Chris Low, both defensive starters have spoken to the coaching staff and said they plan on returning to the University of Alabama for next season. Moore, a senior, was voted a permanent team captain by his peers while Lawson was among the top tacklers on the team. Both assisted the Tide to winning a Southeastern Conference Championship last season.
Alabama CBs Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold plan to enter the 2024 NFL draft and won’t return to the Crimson Tide next season, sources tell ESPN. However, starting LB Deontae Lawson and starting DB Malachi Moore have told coaches they plan to return.
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) January 4, 2024
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Moore bounced back from injuries in 2021 and 2022 to return to productivity in 2023.
He collected 52 tackles from his nickel (Star) position, five tackles for loss, five pass breakups, a quarterback hurry, and an interception.
The former four-star in the 2020 signing class has three Southeastern Conference Championships (2020-21, 2023) and a CFP National Championship.
Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson (32) lines up for a play against USF at Raymond James in Tampa, FL on Saturday, Sep 16, 2023.
Lawson missed three games with an injury; however, he totaled 67 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, four pass breakup, and four quarterback hurries. The former four-star in the 2021 class is looking for his first CFP National Championship.
Moore and Lawson are ready to run it back with their teammates, and Alabama fans are excited.
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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.
