Ahmaad Moses: The Unsung Hero of SMU’s Defense
UNIVERSITY PARK — When Ahmaad Moses went down with an injury in SMU’s 26-20 win over Miami on Saturday, he fought the medical staff on even going into the blue pop-up tent at all.
“They basically almost had to drag me to the tent,” Moses said. “I was like, ‘I’m good. I’m good.’ I just knew all I had to do was get back on the field. Even if I wasn’t good, I was going to find a way to fight through.”
The Game-Changing Play
In a back-and-forth battle with the No. 10 team in the country, with postseason hopes on the line, Moses knew that as a veteran of his defensive unit, his team would need him down the stretch. The senior safety was right, as he made a game-turning interception in overtime, handing the ball back to the Mustangs offense to set up the game-winning drive.
“Honestly, I didn’t think he was going to throw it, but when he threw it, I was like, ‘I’ve gotta make this play,’ ” Moses said.
A Consistent Performer
Moses’ heroics weren’t limited to that one play Saturday. He finished with a game-high 15 tackles, including two for loss, and had two interceptions to bring his season total to five. Saturday may go down as one of the most memorable games of Moses’ career, but he’s been just as consistent all season.
Awards and Accolades
As SMU’s defense — especially its secondary — has gone through a rebuild, Moses has been a steady contributor, ranking second on the team in tackles (69), while adding a sack, a pass breakup, five picks and a touchdown. He leads the nation in interceptions, tied with four other defensive backs.
Moses was selected as the Jim Thorpe Award Defensive Back of the Week, Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week, ACC Defensive Back of the Week and Senior Bowl’s Defensive Player of the Week after his performance Saturday.
“The interceptions right now are getting notoriety,” SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee said. “But he had 15 tackles in space against a guy like Malachi Toney. His ability to cover ground both on the back end and the run game is really special.”
Background and Career
Moses, a Mansfield Summit product, planned to attend UTSA out of high school but flipped to SMU after Lashlee and his staff arrived.
He’s appeared in every game for the Mustangs since arriving on campus — 50 games in four years — and led the team in interceptions the past two seasons. Last season, he was an All-ACC honorable mention honoree.
SMU brought back just one player on defense who started all 14 games last year, fellow safety Isaiah Nwokobia, but Moses was one of a handful of rotation players who were expected to step into larger roles. After starting just seven games in his first three years at SMU, he’s started all nine this season.
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Conclusion
Miami might have been his breakout game. He was a mini-celebrity on the field postgame as students crowded him asking for selfies.
But SMU has relied on his consistent contributions for years. It’s just now the nation is taking notice, too.
“He’s kind of stabilized our defense, to be honest with you, just by his play every week,” Lashlee said.
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FAQs
Q: Who is Ahmaad Moses?
A: Ahmaad Moses is a senior safety for the SMU Mustangs football team.
Q: What was Moses’ performance like in the game against Miami?
A: Moses had a game-high 15 tackles, including two for loss, and had two interceptions to bring his season total to five.
Q: What awards has Moses received for his performance?
A: Moses was selected as the Jim Thorpe Award Defensive Back of the Week, Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week, ACC Defensive Back of the Week and Senior Bowl’s Defensive Player of the Week.
Q: How has Moses contributed to the SMU defense?
A: Moses has been a steady contributor to the SMU defense, ranking second on the team in tackles (69), while adding a sack, a pass breakup, five picks and a touchdown.
