Nick Saban reveals what it means to get Jaylen Moody back

Nick Saban revealed what it means to Alabama to have Jaylen Moody return to Tuscaloosa. After rumors of the linebacker entering the NFL Draft, as well as a quick stint in the transfer portal, Moody decided to return to the Crimson Tide.

At the Alabama Pro Day, Saban spoke about what Moody provides Alabama with.

“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.”

Throughout his four seasons at Alabama, Moody has played in 22 games. He has totaled 45 tackles to go along with an interception. Last season, Moody had 11 tackles, one interception, one fumble recovery, and one forced fumble for Alabama.

He arrived in Tuscaloosa as a three-star recruit and the No. 23 recruit from the state of South Carolina, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. Now, Nick Saban will have Jaylen Mooday for one more season.

More on Jaylen Moody, Alabama Crimson Tide

Furthermore, Jaylen Moody was honored on Alabama’s Senior Day, and it appeared as if he was on his way out of Tuscaloosa when he entered the portal. But as time went on, Moody has changed his mind.

By returning to Alabama for another season, Moody adds even more depth to an already impressive defense, especially at linebacker. Linebackers Christopher Allen and Christian Harris declared for the 2022 NFL Draft. Meanwhile King Mwikuta, Drew Sanders, and Shane Lee entered the transfer portal. Mwikuta has committed to Arkansas State, while Sanders is heading to Arkansas.

Henry To’o To’o could have entered the NFL Draft as well, but he opted to return for another season. To’o To’o and Moody re-join Will Anderson, arguably the top returning defensive player in all of college football, in the Crimson Tide’s linebacker room.

This season, Alabama allowed 306.2 yards per game, which was the second best total in the SEC. The Crimson Tide also only allowed 82.8 rushing yards per game, trailing just Georgia. Alabama’s 20.2 points allowed per game were third best in the conference.

Alabama took down Georgia in the SEC Championship, but fell short in the national title game. With a lot of returning talent on the defensive side of the ball, Alabama will be looking to get back to the title game for the third consecutive season.