THE SPORTS DESK
College Football: Son of former U.Va. top gun emerging
TRUE FRESHMAN MOORE, SON OF STANDOUT
QB IN EARLY ’90s, OUT TO MAKE
OWN MARK WITH CAVALIERS
BY TAFT COGHILL JR.
CHARLOTTESVILLE—When Shawn Moore departed St. Albans School in Washington to become the wide receivers coach at the University of Virginia in 2010, he did so knowing he wouldn’t be able to watch his son develop.
Mike Moore was a menacing 6-foot-4, 250-pound defensive end at DeMatha High School in Hyattsville, Md.
But Shawn Moore wanted the opportunity to coach at the college level, especially for the school where he’s beloved as a former All-American quarterback who helped lead the Cavaliers to their only No. 1 national ranking in 1990.
Shawn Moore begrudgingly left the Washington area, but two years later he’s finally able to see what his son can do up close.
Mike is now a true freshman defensive end for the Cavaliers. He’s added 15 pounds since high school and he’s expected to contribute this season.
As Virginia wrapped up its first week of fall practice on Saturday at Scott Stadium, Shawn Moore said it is comforting being around Mike once again.
“It’s awesome, considering I left two years ago to come here,” Shawn Moore said. “He was living with me in D.C. and going to DeMatha. I was able to watch him play every week. It was a big change of pace to go from that to being gone for two years. Now having him back in my life, watching him every day at practice, it’s exciting. I couldn’t ask for a better situation.”
Mike is thrilled, too.
He said growing up he always respected his father’s accomplishments at Virginia, but he wanted to be a basketball player. That changed as he continued to grow into a football player’s build.
Shawn Moore, who was fourth in Heisman Trophy balloting in 1990, said his son wants to establish his own legacy.
“I think he’s probably seen enough videos and enough magazines and publications to realize that the program was a perennial power back in the day,” Shawn Moore said. “I think he knows the history, and I think he’s part of a new generation that wants to get that perennial power title back here. All of those guys have a little bit of swagger about them.”
Mike was rated a four-star recruit by Rivals.com out of DeMatha. He collected 28 scholarship offers and ultimately chose Virginia over Florida.
Shawn Moore traveled with him on visits to other colleges. He said the trips were beneficial because he learned the recruiting practices of other coaches. Mike said he was allowed to make the final decision, but his father “always made sure U.Va. was still in the picture.”
Mike said he’s appreciative his father is on the coaching staff because he can seek advice whenever he’s having a bad day or growing weary of football.
“Mike said one of the reasons he came here is he thought ‘If I have a bad day in Gainesville, Fla. who am I going to turn to?’” said Shawn Moore, who will coach tight ends this upcoming season. “Versus having a bad day in Charlottesville, he’s a mile away from dad. So he has yet to [seek advice], but he has spent a significant amount of time at my house doing laundry. So he’s got an advantage over some of the younger kids.”
That advantage translates to the field, as well.
Shawn Moore said his son’s size and athleticism is unique for a player his age. He said Mike has a “college-ready body” that’s already akin to upperclassmen in programs like Florida State and North Carolina.
Virginia head coach Mike London has taken notice. He said Mike is one of several true freshmen who will likely play this season.
London is hoping Mike can provide a pass rush as a third-down specialist. He said he could also see time in the goal-line offensive package at tight end.
“He’s a better athlete than his father, I can tell you that,” London joked on Saturday. “He’s a big guy. He’s got strength. He’s got quickness.”
London said “sky’s the limit” for Mike, but added he’s still learning. He’s competed against standout offensive tackles Morgan Moses and Oday Aboushi in practice. London wants those experiences to accelerate his learning process.
“I’m still trying to prove to these guys I can play with them every day,” Mike Moore said. “I’m just trying to go out there and do the best I can.”
Mike said everybody is faster and stronger than in high school. He’s learning along with fellow true freshman Eli Harold, who is also expected to contribute at defensive end this season.
But unlike Harold and his other classmates, Mike has a bit of an edge.
“He’s on a different side of the ball, so I don’t get a lot of coaching up from him,” Mike said of his father. “But it’s just nice to have him out here with me.”
Taft Coghill Jr.: 540/374-5526
tcoghill@freelancestar.com
