AUBURN, Ala. — Mohamoud Diabate has arresting eyes. They’re big and brown and emit gravitas, and if there is anything at all revealing from what is underneath his thick eyelids, it’s a level of depth beyond his years. At 17, Diabate sees through a critical lens, and his vision for himself is clear after an introspective exploration.



Diabate’s voice matches his eyes. It is deep and mature. His voice can become booming once he is engaged in conversation, each sentence adding another layer of conviction. He isn’t quick to speak, but elegant words leave his mouth fast when he is discussing a topic he is most knowledgeable about.



Like religion.



Diabate can fill a composition notebook with his candid yet careful words on religion.



Ask Diabate about being a Muslim living in Auburn, Ala., a town dominated by Christianity. Ask him about why Islam makes more sense to him than Christianity. Ask him about how being a four-star...