Alabama Football: The emergence of Jaylen Moody

Alabama football inside linebacker Jaylen Moody is old-fashioned. The rugged senior waited his turn, a concept that has become almost foreign in the modern age of college football. For this reason, he has earned the respect of Alabama football fans.

Sure, Moody tested the beckoning waters of the transfer portal when it seemed as though the Tide would return both of its starting inside linebackers from the 2021 season.

But who could blame him? Moody had already waited four years for an opportunity. The redshirt senior ultimately returned to Alabama football, and through two games he has already established himself as a fixture on the 2022 defense.

Alabama Football: Jaylen Moody taking charge

Jaylen Moody entered the 2022 season with 45 career tackles, accumulated over four seasons as a reserve linebacker and special teams ace. He started the first two games of this season and has not disappointed, leading the Tide in tackles in both contests.

For the season, he leads Alabama with 16 tackles, and is also tied for the team lead after recording his first career sack against Texas. His two tackles for loss rank second behind only Will Anderson Jr.’s three, which is ironic considering penalties against Anderson Jr. negated at least one Moody TFL last week.

Jaylen Moody has been even more disruptive than even his impressive numbers show. He has seemingly been all over the field, and is one of the team’s hardest hitters in addition to being a sure tackler. His physicality and aggression is welcome on an Alabama defense that, at times last season, lacked that violent edge.

While he is not at his best when in pass coverage or playing in space, he is excels at stopping the run and blitzing to rush the passer. Perhaps Moody’s greatest asset is that he does not hesitate. Alabama football fans have complained for several seasons about hesitant linebacker play, and Jaylen Moody offers a refreshing change of pace.

While it has only been two games, Moody has played very well and exceeded expectations thus far. He has the opportunity to develop into a key component of a very good Alabama defense.