Interview: 2019 California JUCO Defender Austin Moore is a Beast Off the Edge for Saddleback

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

There are a lot of football terms that one does not want applied to them in day to day life but on the field, it is a compliment. Words like violent hands, mean and nasty, and physical at the point of contact. All the words fit 2019 Saddleback College defensive end/tackle Austin Moore to the proverbial “T”, but there is a lot more to the young man than his impressive play on the gridiron.

During his high school days in southern California, Moore built a reputation for himself as a stud defensive end with San Clemente High School helping the Tritons to a Division-II state title in 2016. Working his way to Defensive MVP honors and All-State status, Moore had 78 stops, 30 tackles for a loss, 14 sacks, seven quarterback hurries, and four forced fumbles squaring off against some of the best talent in the country during his senior season. That drive to succeed translated to the next level playing as a true freshman for Saddleback coming up with an estimated stat line of 38 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, eight sacks, and three forced fumbles.

Saddleback (1-2) is just three games into their 2018 season, but their 6-4, 255-pound, versatile lineman appears to be in mid-season form. The hard work put into the offseason, especially in the weight room, is popping off the film with a reported 365-pound bench press max, 495 on squat, and a 315-pound power clean max. His get off and hand-fighting is there along with a motor that builds up to the point of physical domination on a ball carrier. Beyond the field, Moore shows his character and hard-working DNA working part-time to help pay the bills.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Moore, in a safe space without a football in my hands, when he got off of work covering his maturation on the California junior college fields with an update on his recruiting.

Interview

Austin, how has the 2018 season started out for you in the trenches?

“This season has started really well. From the start in our Glendale scrimmage, I have brought a physical presence to the field with my strength, speed, and intensity. I am playing every play like it is my last.”

You are a versatile guy capable of lining up at end or at tackle, which schemes do you guys run on defense and when do you move from one position to the other?

“They like to keep me inside because of my strength and speed going through the center and guard. I have more strength to break through than the average tackle. At end, I can use my speed rush to get to the quarterback effectively.”

What did you work on over the offseason to fine-tune with your game?

“I worked with a former USC player, John Walker, I think he played with the Texans, on my speed, endurance, and strength conditioning. I also worked with Coach Erik Zarate at Cerritos. With him, I was working out in the pool, running up hills, and cut my 40-yard dash time from a 5.0 to 4.7 flat.”

Nice. Where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your skill and technique this season?

“Not to be cocky, but after going through film I have the fastest get off. I feel that I am a split second faster than everyone else. And, with my hand extension, I am quick to get on offensive linemen before they can get their hands on me. I am working with extension and breaking off from the double-teams and flipping my hips to get skinny. Our first home game, I got skinny through the center and guard looped back around past the running to get a sack.”

You guys have three games under your belt thus far, which game has been your best and why do you consider that contest to be the best?

“My best game was… our first two games were different games for me and both good ones. Our game against Ventura, we had a lot of reads. We had to read the linemen and quarterback. We sat back on our heels and then executed. In our first game, we were penetrating and flushing out the quarterback. With my speed, it was an advantage for me. I had more fun in the Ventura game. I was able to be more physical with their offensive line. That helped our linebackers; they had a great game.”

The team travels to Moorpark on Saturday for another big game, what kind of game are you expecting from Moorpark’s offense?

“With their offense, they have a very big offensive line. I am expecting them to be physical. Their QB is mobile, but our defensive line should be able to tear up their line.”

What are some of the other big games left on the schedule you are looking forward to playing?

“RCC (Riverside), they were not in our conference last year. I am hoping we see Fullerton in the championship round to get revenge from last year. They are well-coached there. I know our defense can bring it to them this year.”

How are college coaches responding to your season thus far?

“Very positive. I went to some camps over the summer that helped bring interest my way. Some D-II schools have been messaging me. I have talked to Coach (Jim) Leavitt at Oregon (defensive coordinator); I went to his camp. A lot of east coast D-II schools have been responding to my season.”

Which schools are showing interest?

“I don’t know, my coaches are in control of all that. From what I do know, some Pac-12 and Big Ten schools have asked about me. I know Utah State and North Texas are showing interest. I have messaged a lot of coaches with my game film, hopefully that is helping as well.”

Have you received an offer?

“Yes. My first offer was from Franklin Pierce in New Hampshire.”

Congratulations on that.

“Thank you.”

Last question. For college coaches who may not be familiar with you, what type of student-athlete are they missing out in Austin Moore?

“What coaches are missing, I never give up. I truly never give up. When told I am not able to do something, I prove it to everyone that I can do it. I am a go-getter. I don’t take time off. Football season is year-round for me. I am a physical presence on the field and in practice. There is yet to be a person I have not been able to overcome on the field.”

Austin, I appreciate your time today and good luck on Saturday against Moorpark.

“Thank you.”

 

Photo credit: Saddleback C.C.; Austin Moore in action