As we proceed with the SOTU Awards, we give a participant credit score for the tireless work and private growth that has set him on a course to be a core member of the defensive position in 2024: DT Ahmad Moten Sr., Most Improved Participant!
A 3-star recruit out of Ft. Lauderdale (FL) Cardinal Gibbons, Moten adopted the trail his brother, Anthony (a St. Thomas alum), took years earlier than in selecting Miami. The youthful Moten was a strong HSFB participant, however was a developmental prospect for Miami. Whereas he had good measurement at 6’3” 290lbs, Moten would profit from a yr or two to develop his physique and refine his expertise.
After enjoying 2 video games (early season blowouts) and redshirting in 2022, and enjoying a handful of snaps throughout 9 video games 2023, Moten lastly began to make his mark on the sphere in 2024. Now as much as 6’3” 325lbs, Moten has the dimensions and energy to be a beneficial participant on the entrance line of Miami’s protection.
To the shock of some, Moten was the primary DT off the bench within the opener in opposition to Florida, and that top-of-the-rotation standing continued all through the season. Moten was capable of play at a constant stage, and improved his private efficiency all through the season. For his efforts, and efficiency, he earned his solely begin of the yr within the common season finale at Syracuse.
The expansion Moten displayed from 2023 to 2024 was precisely what you’d hope for from a participant going from yr 2 to yr 3. In 2023, Moten Sr. had 2 tackles and 1 interception (on a tipped ball), although he bought snaps in 9 video games, with no begins. In 2024, Moten performed in all 13 video games, beginning 2, posting 18 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 1 sack, and a pair of PBUs. When you think about the truth that he performed about 4x the snaps he did the yr earlier than, the expansion is instantly obvious.
Moten is the prototype of what you hope to see from a developmental participant. He labored for years to place himself able to make an affect when the chance offered itself, and he took benefit of the state of affairs when given enjoying time.
Honorable mentions for this award: LG Matthew McCoy, LB Raul “Popo” Aguirre, and LB Wesley Bissainthe. All took steps ahead from 2023 to 2024, however none bigger and extra impactful than Moten.
With the expansion seen during the last yr, Moten is now firmly within the dialog on the high of the rotation for Miami’s defensive position subsequent yr. With Moten (and others) fortifying the inside of Miami’s defensive position (beneath former Canes standout and 1st spherical decide Damione Lewis, by the best way), the Canes look to take steps ahead on protection in 2025.
The work you do in personal turns into identified in public, and for Ahmad Moten Sr, it was fairly an unveiling within the 2024 season. And that’s why he wins the SOTU Award for Most Improved Participant.
Congratulations, Ahmad! We are able to’t wait to see what you do subsequent yr as effectively.