WR Denarius Moore's road to the NFL was nothing out of the ordinary. He played Pop Warner football, he played high school football, and he played college football. However, the Raiders saw something extraordinary.
Moore was drafted in the 5th round (148th overall) in the 2011 NFL Draft. He played in 52 career games at the University of Tennessee, finishing 12th in program history with 112 receptions, and totaling 18 touchdown receptions to rank fifth in program history. During his 2010 season with Tennessee he totaled 981 yards and nine touchdowns.
Moore's football background started in East Texas where he started playing Pop Warner football when he was in third grade. Moore's mentor and inspiration growing up was his older brother Demechtria. "I wanted to follow the footsteps of my older brother," said Moore. "He played football, track and basketball, and when I saw what my brother continued to do I wanted to follow in his footsteps."
The road to being drafted is not an easy one, but those who are picked definitely understand the magnitude of their accomplishments at the collegiate level. Playing in a conference such as the SEC prepared the wide receiver for the next level of competition. "I think that it was good playing at the University of Tennessee seeing a lot of different defenses and coaches, and continuing to compete to where I am today," Moore said.
The 6-0, 195-pound receiver is excited about his opportunity to play for the Oakland Raiders. "It was amazing being drafted, seeing your name pop up on the television in front of your whole family," said Moore. "Knowing that you accomplished your dream since childhood was an amazing feeling."
Moore joins the Oakland Raiders young and talented class of wide receivers Louis Murphy, Jacoby Ford, and Darrius Heyward-Bey; all who have been in the league for only three years and have already illuminated signs of greatness. During the 2010 season Ford, Murphy, and Heyward-Bey totaled 1,445 receiving yards.
Moore maintains his hunger to succeed and join the Raiders dynamic receiving corps. He is looking forward to contributing to the Oakland Raiders and to help his team thrive, and the Raiders are glad to have him. Head Coach Hue Jackson spoke about Moore during training camp. "Oh boy, he is a tremendous talent, the game is not too big for him, he has that factor of making plays, and there is no fear in that young man," said Coach Jackson. "I'm glad he's on our team."
Moore's focused mindset has led him to form key goals for the 2011 season. "I want to make a whole bunch of plays that I am capable of making, and then believing in my team, and my team believing in me," said Moore.
The rookie is excited to represent the Silver and Black and demonstrate what he is doing on the practice field in person for the Raider Nation.
