Terrion Arnold tells story of Malachi Moore, Ainias Smith interacting in-game

There was definitely some extra motivation throughout Alabama‘s game against Texas A&M on Saturday. Everything began when Aggies wide receiver Ainias Smith said facing the Crimson Tide was personal, referencing an old family interaction with Nick Saban. Terrion Arnold responded before the burden was passed to Malachi Moore, the defensive back tasked with covering Smith.

During the week of practice, it was business as usual for Moore. But once Alabama arrived at Kyle Field and got face-to-face with Smith, it was on. Moore made sure his presence was known from the time warmups were occurring.

The intensity jumped a little bit once the ball was kicked off.

“Practice Malachi vs. gameday Malachi — whole different person,” Arnold said during Wednesday’s episode of Andy Staples On3. “I kid you not. Before the game, we’re coming out there. As we’re walking out, Ainias was actually stretching. Malachi walk by him… ‘We’re going to see what you want. We’re going to see what Coach Saban want. We’re going to find out what Coach Saban want tonight.’

“First play of the game, Malachi blocking — ‘WE GOING TO SEE WHAT HE WANT.’ I’m like ‘Just give me the call, man. You can go out and give me the call.’ So, when I say a guy that gets people going.”

Smith did wind up performing well, catching four passes for 88 yards. However, Moore (and Arnold) will be leaving College Station with the ultimate prize. Not only did they get the win but they found out what Saban wanted after all of these years.

Terrion Arnold raves about Malachi Moore as a leader

Moore may have been talking a little bit to Smith and it was to defend his head coach. His leadership is something Arnold talked about with Staples, saying he has come a long way. There is an expectation from Moore, no matter the setting, for everyone to give 100% effort.

Arnold told the story of Moore telling him to run to a ball in practice. On the next rep, Moore was moving a bit slow, so Arnold gave it right back. The leadership of Moore keeps everyone accountable, something Arnold truly appreciates.

“Malachi has grown as far as leadership and maturity and I wish people really knew how great of a job he’s done. You can honestly say when you come here and you show up, when being a leader — you can’t have any bad days. People going to point the finger at you… He’s done a great job.”