Tennessee football: Five Alabama Crimson Tide to watch for against Vols
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 3. player. Defensive back. Freshman. Malachi Moore. 829
6’0″ 182 pounds; Hometown: Trussville, Ala.
After all the hype behind Patrick Surtain II, well deserved we might add, the Alabama Crimson Tide have a new star in their secondary. Malachi Moore, as a freshman, has stepped in and become one of the best playmakers on the team. As a rising star, it’s time for everybody to start taking him seriously, as he manages to show up against the most elite teams.
Moore is the only player on the team with both three pass deflections and two interceptions on the year. He had his first career interception against the Texas A&M Aggies when Jimbo Fisher had driven into the red zone. Then he had another one against the Georgia Bulldogs last week. Add in a tackle for a loss against the Missouri Tigers, and the guy does it all.
Right now, Moore is lining up at nickel. He’s getting a lot of help in the secondary from Surtain, Josh Jobe, Jordan Battle and Daniel Wright, who also has two interceptions, but he is clearly doing his part and taking advantage of his chances to make plays. Against a Tennessee football team that has clearly been prone to turnovers recently, that’s a big deal.
Moore could line up and pressure Jarrett Guarantano in a confusing blitz scheme, which has already shown to give the offensive tackles some issues. He could also intercept an errant Guarantano throw. Elite defensive playmakers are kryptonite for the Vols, and that’s exactly what Moore is. As a result, we have him on the list.