Malachi Moore addresses Senior Day, if he has thought about decision on future

Saturday’s contest against Chatanooga will be the final game at Bryant-Denny Stadium for a few Alabama players. Senior Day will take place before kick-off, with players being honored by the program and head coach Nick Saban. One of those will be Malachi Moore even though the opportunity to return is out there.

Moore was asked about his future on Tuesday, saying there has not been too much thought. He still wants to go through Senior Day activities, just in case the decision to move on to the NFL is made. Either way, emotions should be flowing on for Moore.

“I really haven’t thought about it too much,” Moore said. “Senior Day, it’s kind of surreal to see how quickly everything has gone by so fast. I’m kind of just taking it in each day at a time. I’ll probably have a little extra emotion running through me on Saturday coming out the tunnel not knowing if it’s going to be my last time or not. I’m looking forward to it.”

In the latest CBS Sports mock draft, Moore was not projected to be a first-round pick. He has spent most of the 2023 season playing the STAR position, replacing Brian Branch from a year ago. Branch wound up being a second-round selection of the Detroit Lions. That could be closer to where Moore is ultimately drafted if he decides to declare once Alabama’s season is done.

Moore has played for four years in Tuscaloosa but still has eligibility due to the COVID-19 rules. He was originally a member of the 2020 recruiting class and was a contributor as a true freshman. But from an eligibility standpoint, the season did not count and the door for Moore to return for a fifth is open.

Kick-off is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, with Senior Day activities planned beforehand. Moore will hear his name announced at Bryant-Denny Stadium while having his family on the field to celebrate all of his accomplishments. However, there is a chance he is doing the same this time next season.

For now, all focus is likely on finishing out the 2023 season on a strong note. Taking care of Chatanooga will come first before facing Auburn in the Iron Bowl and Georgia in the SEC Championship game. If the dominos fall the right way, Alabama could be in the College Football Playoff as well.

Bookending his college career with two national championships would have to be special for Moore.