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Alabama LB Dylan Moses reacts to David Ballou strength hire
Pardon Dylan Moses for having a little extra pep in his step this week ahead of the start of Alabama's spring practice later this month. News of Sunday's pending hire of Indiana assistant David Ballou as
the Crimson Tide's new strength and conditioning coach has Moses fired up as the pair share a history together.
Ballou coached Moses, a former five-star prospect per the 247Sports Composite, during his senior season at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.
Moses wrote a message to Ballou on his Instagram story over the weekend, expressing excitement over the chance to reunite in Tuscaloosa:
"Can't wait to work with you my guy! Coach Ballou was my strength coach at IMG my senior year of high scool. He got me right, my man knows exactly what he's doing along with his partner Coach Matt," Moses wrote on his social media platform.
Moses missed the 2019 campaign after suffering a serious knee injury during fall camp. He
announced in January he would return for his final campaign in hopes of bringing a national title back to the program.
"After much thought and prayer, my family and I have decided that the best decision for me is to return to Alabama and finish my college education," Moses wrote. "Football is not who I am. It is what I do. Life after football is what I am most concerned about, and I want to ensure I can put myself in the best possible situation to succeed in life, fulfill my goals and make my dreams come true...
"The 2020 season will be very personal to me, and I want nothing more than to finish my Alabama career in style. The 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."
The Crimson Tide's starting Will linebacker in its base and nickel defenses during the 2018 campaign, Moses recorded a team-high 86 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Losing him before the season along with linebacker Josh McMillon was detrimental for first-year defensive coordinator Pete Golding, whose defense never recovered without their two leaders at the position.
One of the nation's up-and-coming strength coaches, Ballou comes from Indiana, where he played and has served as the Hoosiers' head honcho in the weight room.
“Nick Saban probably already had David Ballou and or Matt Rhea already in mind before this all went down,” BamaOnline analyst Travis Reier
said on Monday's Built By BamaOnline podcast. "A lot of these coaches are already thinking a step or two ahead. So look, you’ve got a could of things you’ve got to keep in mind too. This impacts recruiting as well.
“And you know what Alabama has coming up Saturday in Tuscaloosa? The second of its two big Junior Day events. Whereas that may not be a centerpiece type item, you’re definitely going to be showing off that strength and conditioning department aren’t you? Talking about that sports science center, so wouldn't you like to have one or both of these guys in place this weekend? I would guess that’s the hope for the next four or five days.”