Alabama linebacker Dylan Moses announced on Monday that he would return to school for his senior season, giving coach Nick Saban's defense a substantial boost for 2020.
Moses, a preseason Sporting News All-American, elected to delay his pro career in large part because he wants further off-the-field preparation for his life ahead.
"Football is not who I am, it is what I do," Moses wrote in his Instagram announcement. "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."
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Moses tore his ACL over the summer but was still considered a potential first-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft. SN's Vinnie Iyer projected him to go 27th overall to the New England Patriots. In two seasons at Alabama, Moses has recorded 116 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. He has also forced two fumbles at the center of the 2017 and 2018 Crimson Tide defenses, helping the team to consecutive College Football Playoff championship game appearances.
Alabama's defense struggled without his presence this season. The Crimson Tide will conclude 2019 with their Citrus Bowl matchup against Michigan on Jan. 1.