Brian Branch should have been a first-round NFL Draft pick, but his former University of Alabama teammate can avenge him and position himself as a first-rounder in next year’s draft.
Malachi Moore did the right thing by returning to school for a fifth year. He has endeared himself to the Crimson Tide fans by remaining with the program, despite Nick Saban retiring.
Moore, a native of Trussville, Ala., bought into Kalen DeBoer’s vision and has everyone on board with his “If it ain’t wearing Crimson” mindset. The former four-star endured tough injuries, but he bounced back to a permanent team captain in 2023. He pushed Alabama’s defense under Kevin Steele to a Southeastern Conference Championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff. Moore finished last season with 52 total tackles, five tackles for loss, five pass breakups, a quarterback hurry, and an interception. The 6-foot, 198-pounder has embraced his role of moving from slot cornerback (nickel) to strong safety.
Alabama’s defensive coaches — Kane Wommack, Colin Hitschler, and Maurice Linguist — love Moore’s leadership. Hitschler told reporters on Saturday that Moore’s move to stay was DeBoer’s ‘best recruiting.’
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“He knows the standard of this place,” Hitschler said about Moore.
“He sets the standard daily and holds guys accountable.”
Hitschler is excited to see what Moore does in his first season playing safety.
He came as a four-star in the Tide’s 2020 signing class; however, Moore has experience at safety from Hewitt-Trussville High School. He is comfortable with playing in the deeper part of the field and tracking the ball. Moore has gotten into a rhythm at practice with Keon Sabb, a transfer from Michigan, at free safety. The two collaborate well with each other as veteran guys.
DeVonta Smith, who is in his fourth year at Alabama, came in the 2021 class.
The talented defensive back said he and Moore feed off each other’s energy. Smith, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, arrived on campus as a four-star safety. He, like Moore, battled through injuries but is prepared to be an impact player in the fall.
“We just keep each other up,” Smith said about his relationship with Moore in the secondary.
“Even when someone misses a play, he keeps us up, keeps us going into the next play. He continues to have fun out there, and it’s about trusting each other.”
Moore has three SEC Championship rings (2020-21, 2023) and a CFP National Championship ring from 2020.
He is going after a second national title in the fall, but Moore looks to have everyone on the same page in spring first.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
