Jaylen Moody explains decision to enter, remove name from transfer portal

With Christian Harris leaving for the NFL, Alabama has a vacant position at inside linebacker. Veteran contributor Jaylen Moody now looks to compete for that spot with several younger options after entering and removing his name from the transfer portal this offseason.

During his first media session since entering and leaving the transfer portal, Jaylen Moody discussed why he chose to remove his name from the transfer portal and spend his final season at Alabama rather than elsewhere.

“I really just came back because this is where I want to be at,” said Moody. “Alabama has been a home for me for four years. And going into my last year I want to make an impact. What better place to do that than home? I love it here and everybody’s been helping me. My teammates have been positive and giving me support so I’m just happy to be back. Just looking forward to having a great season.”

Over four seasons at Alabama, the former three-star recruit from South Carolina has appeared in 55 games as a special teamer and reserve linebacker. He has 44 career tackles with one interception and one forced fumble to go with one fumble recovery.

Nick Saban on Jaylen Moody return

Nick Saban revealed what it means to Alabama to have Jaylen Moody return to Tuscaloosa for his redshirt senior season with a young group of linebackers. After rumors of the veteran could enter the NFL Draft, as well as a quick stint in the transfer portal, Moody decided to return to the Crimson Tide.

During a brief media appearance at the Alabama Pro Day, Saban spoke about what Moody provides Alabama with in his return.

“Well Jaylen has certainly been a guy that’s made a lot of positive contributions to the team in a lot of ways,” stated Saban. “Been a great special teams player for us. Has always accepted his role. Being a really, really solid backup player who when he’s played, he’s been able to play very well. But I also think that you know, when guys have been in that role, they have to understand what goes with being a starter. You have to challenge yourself to be ready and prepared to play with great consistency and performance.

“That’s something that he certainly, and we certainly want him to come out of the spring and prove to everybody else that he’s very capable of doing that.”