Interview: Colleges Sold on 21-Offer 2023 Georgia OLB Denzel Moore
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The competition level in Georgia’s 7A on the gridiron is fierce. Every Friday, players have to come to the field with their lunchbox ready to put in four quarters of work or they will get ran out of the stadium. One player bringing the lunch pail and the hardhat every week is Class of 2023 outside linebacker/end Denzel Moore.
A change at Norcross’ Meadowcreek High School is in process, and Moore is helping lead the charge. The Mustangs are 3-5 fighting for a three seed in the playoffs. If they pull out a win in their next game, that three seed will be the highest in school history. The predominately sophomore laden roster may take some licks this season, but this crew is going to be back at it over the next two seasons with their hard hitting linebacker putting his leadership skills to the test delivering regular season wins and playoff victories on the field. The determination coupled with talent has 21 offers on the front doorstep for the 6-2.5, 230-pound, defender.
In an RNG first-look, Moore visited the Lab for a detailed conversation talking football and recruiting.
Interview
Denzel, you are a constant presence in opposing 7A backfields coming off the edge for the Mustangs. How do you feel your sophomore season has gone for you personally up to this point?
My sophomore year has gone great. We’ve been going against big teams, and we are heading to the playoffs. We are doing well this season with a younger team. This year’s team, we only have 15 seniors. The team is mostly sophomores, about 20 to 23.
My take on that is, Meadowcreek is set up over the next two years to do some big things.
Yes, sir.
Are you guys running a hybrid 3-4 or are you in a 4-3 with you playing up?
We started off in a 4-3, but then our coach saw most teams that we were going against were mainly throwing. They decided to bring me off the edge to rush the quarterback and get pressures and hopefully some interceptions. I am an outside linebacker, but I rush most of the time.
What are your responsibilities within the scheme as an outside backer?
At outside linebacker, sometimes I drop back or get over on screens and cover slants. The rest is run fill.
From your run stop to putting pressure on the quarterback, where have you shown marked improvement in your skills this year?
Using my hands and my speed. I run a 4.5 at 230 pounds, I think that is a big part of my game. I am able to move around the offensive tackle. This season I have upped my game shedding blocks and getting on the screen plays putting that down. The running back tells you were the play is going. I am right there when he gets it, and I am calling it out before the play.
This season which game has been your personal best?
The Norcross game, against the No. 14 team in the state.
Why did you pick that one?
I had 13 tackles and 3 sacks.
That qualifies. How are you preparing for each game?
Every day after practice I train with my trainer. We breakdown film, and he shows me some moves that I can work on to beat that offensive tackle.
Getting close to two weeks ago, the team pulled out a big 41-3 win over Dunwoody. What do you guys need to do on the road against Berkmar (1-7) this Friday to replicate the same success?
We are not playing them, because of COVID. We have to win our next game for a spot in the playoffs. I have an Ole Miss offensive tackle commit there. I know I can take him.
What kind of game are you looking at against the Patriots offense?
If we win, we go to the playoffs as a third seed. If we do, that will be the highest seed ever for our school in the playoffs.
Very cool. Let’s talk recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
Notre Dame, Colorado – I talk to them a lot, Florida, Michigan State, and Michigan. Those are the current ones that have not offered yet but are showing interest.
How many offers do you have?
Twenty-one.
Wow. I knew it was a lot. Congratulations.
Thank you, sir.
Which program offered you first?
Georgia Tech and Georgia offered me at the same time.
Which teams were the last couple to offer?
The last one was Mississippi State, that was last week, and before that it was Arkansas.
Moore’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Auburn, FIU, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Houston, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi State, Nebraska, South Carolina, Tennessee, Toledo, UAB, and West Georgia
When visits start happening again next year, are there any schools you’d like to go see?
Yes, there are quite a few. I want to see Tennessee; I want to see how the family atmosphere is there. Alabama – that is a great place, Auburn, Georgia especially, and Indiana. Indiana, they are a good team with a good defense. I see them as a great team. South Carolina is another school I would like to visit as well.
Denzel, I enjoyed our conversation today. I appreciate you breaking everything down. Wishing you and the Mustangs success nailing down that three seed for the playoffs.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Moore family; Denzel Moore
Featured Image: AJ Photography; Denzel Moore on the sidelines