Alabama

How the Lions’ ‘Bama Boys’ are guiding an Alabama DB’s NFL path

Published

1 year ago

February 27, 2025

How the Lions’ ‘Bama Boys’ are guiding an Alabama DB’s NFL path

INDIANAPOLIS — Alabama’s Malachi Moore wasn’t shy about his respect for former college teammate Brian Branch and the rest of his fellow “Bama Boys” playing for the Detroit Lions.

Speaking to reporters Thursday morning, the 23-year-old defensive back pulled back the curtain on the bond he formed with Branch and Terrion Arnold, both of whom he stays in weekly contact with.

The two Lions defenders have been instrumental in Moore’s preparation for this year’s combine, sharing insight and experiences while also comparing and contrasting the differences between the college and NFL games.

While Moore has yet to meet with the Lions in Indianapolis, Detroit could be in the market for safety depth in this year’s draft. The Alabama defender shared he would embrace the chance to reunite with his “brothers” in Detroit’s secondary.

“It would be great to play with my guys Terrion and BB on the defensive side of the ball. We already had that great chemistry, and we come from the same lineage in college football, playing under Coach Saban,” Moore said. “So, all of us are like-minded, and we’re still brothers to this day. Like I said, our relationship is great.”

Moore said he and Branch are like “two peas in a pod,” having entered Alabama together as freshmen in 2020.

Attached at the hip since then, Moore said both players share a similar mindset, refusing to limit themselves in terms of what they can contribute to a team anywhere in the secondary.

“Whatever the team needs me to do — if you need me to be deep in the post or in the deep part of the field, I can do that. If you need me to come down, fill the box, and play the run, I can do that as well,” Moore said. “If you need me to cover down on the slot or cover speed at three, I’m comfortable doing that as well.

“I think that just comes from my experience. When I first came into school, I was a star for the first four years, and now I’ve moved to safety. So, I feel like I have an advantage in being versatile while also being comfortable doing new things. This year was my first year playing safety, and I feel like it was the best year I’ve had in college.”

Despite taking pride in his versatility, Moore said he’s at his best in man coverage, where he can utilize the instincts he developed playing star — a hybrid defensive role — in previous seasons.

That experience, he believes, sets him apart from the other safeties in this draft class when it comes to guarding opposing receivers.

“Freshman year, I was guarding Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith every day at practice, and I don’t think there are a lot of guys better than those two out there,” Moore said. “So, Alabama definitely prepared me for that.”

Another player Moore lined up against daily in practice at Alabama: Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams.

“Jamo — he’s got a different type of speed, and you see that, but seeing it every day at practice is a little different,” Moore said. “You definitely get acclimated and used to guarding people that fast, and when you get to the game and guys aren’t that fast, it makes things easier.”

Moore’s wealth of experience in multiple roles for the Crimson Tide led to him earning first-team All-SEC honors in his final season at Alabama. He recorded 70 tackles (40 solo), eight passes defended, two interceptions, two forced fumbles (one recovered), and one sack.

Modeling his game after Jessie Bates III, Derwin James Jr., and even Branch — whom he considers his NFL comparison — Moore said he studies different players.

“(Me and Branch) were just on the phone the other day, talking about life and football, and I always ask him about little techniques that he uses or what he’s picked up in the league that’s different from college,” Moore said. “He’s always giving me little gems—definitely about man-to-man coverage, the slot, and just his physicality.”

But what about when it comes to his own playing style?

“I’m an aggressive, instinctive player. I’m a player who really takes pride in my preparation, which allows me to go out there and play fast,” Moore said. “But I’m also a great communicator. Coming into Coach Saban’s defense, especially playing star, you’re almost the quarterback of the defense, so to speak.

“So, I’m very used to talking, being loud, and communicating. And even when I moved back to safety this year, my communication was, I would say, even better.”

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Alabama

Alabama edge to pattern his game after 2-time Super Bowl Champ

Published

5 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Press Room

Alabama edge to pattern his game after 2-time Super Bowl Champ

Photo comes via Rodger Champion of Alabama athletics

How electric could Alabama football be on defense this season?

Alabama edge updates development of 4-star inside linebacker

The answer comes down to how many players Kane Wommack can produce to affect opposing quarterbacks in the pocket.

He returns Yhonzae Pierre, a fourth-year edge rusher, following a season where he collected eight sacks (team-high), 14.5 tackles for loss (team-high), nine quarterback hurries (team-high), and three forced fumbles. Pierre will draw much attention from offensive coaches; however, the Crimson Tide has a sophomore ready to help him on the outside.

Justin Hill, a former four-star from Cincinnati, Ohio, has made it his mission to become a complete pass rusher.

Alabama edge Justin Hill (#8) is modeling his game after a former two-time Suer Bowl Champion.

3/25/25 MFB Spring Practice
Alabama Linebacker Justin Hill (8)
Photo by Kent Gidley

He provided some excitement in 15 games last year, posting 10 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a pass breakup.

Former 4-star edge “will stand out” at Alabama in 2026 season, per Yhonzae Pierre

Who is Justin Hill modeling his game after?

The 6-foot-3, 244-pounder had a good spring, and the coaching staff looks at him as someone that brings speed, power, and edge-bending abilities to harass quarterbacks. Hill mentioned to reporters after A-Day that he wants to ‘go through’ quarterbacks in generating pressure.

He also wants to pattern his game after a former two-time Super Bowl Champion.

Hill detailed the former two-time Butkus Award winner he’s emulating.

“I am watching guys like Von Miller,” Hill said. “I’m watching a lot of speed to power guys.”

Hill stated Nik Bonitto of the Denver Broncos as another National Football League pass rusher he is studying. Bonitto has 37 sacks and 44 tackles for loss in four seasons with the Broncos – including a career-high 14 sacks in 2025.

Miller is one of the greatest pass rushers in the history of the league. He has 138.5 career sacks, including seven seasons with 10-plus sacks.

Miller has two Super Bowl rings, a Super Bowl Most Valuable Player honor, three first-team All-Pro honors, eight Pro Bowl nods, and is on the NFL’s 2010 All-Decade Team.

Hill learned to ‘cut it loose’ as an edge rusher from Pierre, so the combination of that and studying film on Miller should prepare him to be a force in the fall.

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Stephen M. Smith is a team writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama.
He is a seasoned writer that has covered Alabama football for Touchdown Alabama Magazine since 2009. Smith has extensive knowledge within the program, which has made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Throughout his career, Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

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Alabama

YMCA of South Alabama holds Healthy Kids Day in Spanish Fort

Published

17 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Press Room

YMCA of South Alabama holds Healthy Kids Day in Spanish Fort

SPANISH FORT, Ala. (WALA) – The YMCA of South Alabama held a Healthy Kids Day at Spanish Fort Town Center Park.

Saturday’s event featured games and demonstrations, along with interactive activities featuring police and fire vehicles.

“I think just seeing so many organizations come together that serve kids, and just seeing kids have fun,” said Gwen Summer, CEO of the YMCA of South Alabama.

Marissa Rennaker, director of development for the YMCA of South Alabama, said the event exposed children to new activities.

“I think it’s been seeing all the kids laugh and try different things that they probably haven’t tried before,” Rennaker said. “There was a big group doing pickleball and yoga. We had ballet earlier, so just getting them out and exposed to things, I think it’s been great.”

The event was designed to kick off a healthy, active summer.

The YMCA of South Alabama is located at 27080 Pollard Road in Daphne.

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Alabama

Former Alabama superstar signs massive extension with NFL team

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2026

Press Room

Former Alabama superstar signs massive extension with NFL team

Former Alabama star Will Anderson Jr. has reportedly signed a three-year, $150 million extension with the Houston Texans, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Anderson instantly solidified himself as one of the top defensive players in football throughout his rookie campaign in 2023. The star defensive end was named as the Rookie of the Year in 2023, as Anderson’s extension will officially keep him in Houston long-term, as well as make him the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

Anderson recorded an impressive 12 sacks on the Texans’ defensive line in 2025, as the former Alabama star has made history following his head turning extension with Houston.

Anderson was nothing short of a superstar throughout his time at Alabama. Houston drafted the talented lineman with the third overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft, as Anderson was widely regarded as one of the top overall selections from his class.

The former Crimson Tide superstar has officially inked a massive extension with the Texans, as Anderson will undoubtedly continue playing a critical role on Houston’s defensive line over the coming seasons.

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