The Alabama Crimson Tide send multiple players to the NFL every year, many of which go on to become stars in the league. Not only has head coach Nick Saban produced more first-round picks than any other coach, he could break the record for most round one selections in a single draft when the 2020 NFL Draft rolls around.
All of Tuscaloosa is waiting for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's draft decision, and even Bo Jackson offered his advice. But one Alabama player has made his decision and it's good news for Tide fans.
Alabama linebacker Dylan Moses — considered one of the best inside linebackers in college football — is returning for his senior season in 2020 and won't declare for the NFL Draft, he announced via his Instagram Monday night.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6uFnPwn3WN/
"After much thought and prayer, my family and I have decided that the best decision is for me to return to Alabama and finish my college education. Football is not who I am, it is what I do. Life after football is what I'm most concerned about, and I want to ensure I can put myself in the best possible position to succeed in life, fulfill my goals and make my dreams come true.
"While doing this, I plan to give 110 percent effort to lead my teammates on and off the field, while setting a good example for them to follow. This past year for me wasn't what I expected, and I feel as if I would leave a lot on the table if I decided to enter the NFL Draft.
"The 2020 season will be very personal to me, and I want nothing more than to finish my Alabama career in style. This program's goal is to compete for championships and next year will be no different. Next season isn't about draft stock or money - it's about grinding with my brothers and winning another national title.
"To my brothers, we have a lot of unfinished business to take care of over the next 12 months and it's time to go to work. Thank you Bama Nation for all of your love and support. You haven't seen the last of me - or this football team yet!
"ROLL TIDE!"
Ranked by ESPN's Mel Kiper as the No. 1 inside linebacker in the 2020 draft class, the former Butkus Award finalist missed the entire 2019 season to an ACL injury. Moses has been rehabbing with the team and is currently with them in Orlando, Florida, ahead of Alabama's showdown with Michigan in the Vrbo Citrus Bowl on Wednesday.
As a sophomore in '18, Moses earned All-SEC honors for recording a team-high 86 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.
If the former five-star recruit from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, can come back healthy from his torn ACL, he'll add a ton to the Crimson Tide's defense. Alabama football might be losing a bunch of key players to the draft, but Moses returning is a welcomed sign for Saban.
