Alabama Football: What happens now with Jaylen Moody?

Alabama football now has three starting inside linebackers to fill two spots

It didn’t come as a surprise when Alabama football snatched Henry To’o To’o from the transfer portal. He considered joining the Crimson Tide as a high school recruit, and he will now officially be on the roster. However, this brings a predicament that is the sad part of college athletics.

Adding a star at one position takes away reps from another player. As of right now, Alabama has Christian Harris, Jaylen Moody and To’o To’o at inside linebacker. Unfortunately, there can only be two starters at this position.

Harris will definitely start. He is the only returning starter at inside linebacker, and he has two full seasons as a starter under his belt. He knows Alabama’s system, and he will be one of the best defensive players on the roster.

Assuming that To’o To’o can transfer inside the conference and play immediately, this is where things get tricky. Moody has years of experience in Saban’s defense, and he played well in reserve reps last year. He has also played well in the spring, so he has a head start on the competition.

However, To’o To’o is a natural talent. He was one of the best linebackers in the SEC when he played for Tennessee. There is a reason Alabama recruited him.

He also played in a similar system in Tennessee. Jeremy Pruitt coached for Alabama football, so there will be an easier transition than your average linebacker.

So, how does this play out? At this point in the process, don’t expect a transfer. It’s still not guaranteed that To’o To’o will be immediately eligible. Instead, expect Moody to begin the year as the starter alongside Christian Harris. Once To’o To’o gains confidence in the system, he will slide in as the starter. All three players should get playing time throughout the season if they stay healthy.

Due to the eligibility changes last season, Moody still has two years of eligibility along with his redshirt. He could play some this year and become a starting inside linebacker alongside To’o To’o in 2022. Harris is almost a lock to enter next year’s draft, so there would be at least one opening.

At the end of the day, all linebackers need to trust the process as the summer workouts begin.