Alabama Football: Mid-Season Player Awards

Crimson Tide Unsung Heroes – Malachi Moore – Star – Chris Braswell – Linebacker

Whenever anyone talks about the defense the conversation starts with Dallas Turner and Kool-Aid McKinstry and rightfully so. But the versatility of Malachi Moore and the athleticism of Chris Braswell have helped take this team to another level.

After seeing a dip in playing time last season Malachi Moore has returned the best, we’ve seen him playing Nick Saban’s “Star” position. The position was occupied by Brian Branch last season and the Alabama football team has gotten a similar performance from Moore. Playing the Star Moore ranks top 10 on the team in tackles and top five in pass deflections with an interception as well despite missing a game and a half to injury.

When Alabama entered the offseason one of the biggest questions was what would edge rusher look like opposite of Dallas Turner. Trying to find a way to replace Will Anderson’s team-leading 10 sacks seemed like it was going to be a daunting task for the Alabama football team as Turner only recorded four sacks last season. Chris Braswell has stepped up in a massive way recording 6.5 sacks in eight games adding an interception and a game-sealing strip of Tennessee’s Joe Milton. The duo of Braswell and Dallas Turner have combined for 66 tackles, 20.5 tackles for a loss, 14.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and an interception making the duo one of the nation’s best pass rush duos.