Damontre Moore

A high school all-America pick by Max Emfinger coming out of Rowlett High School in DeSoto, Texas, Moore stayed close to home by choosing the Aggies over offers from Oklahoma State and Baylor. He was a freshman All-Big 12 honoree while racking up 40 tackles, 5.5 sacks, an interception and a team-high three forced fumbles while serving as All-American Von Miller's backup at the "joker" position in 2010. All three of the forced fumbles came in a dominating performance against Louisiana Tech that included a pair of sacks. Moore stepped into a starting - and starring - role in 2011 with Miller off to the NFL. He was fourth on the Aggies with 72 tackles while starting 10 of 12 games at the joker position. He had 12-tackle games against Kansas State and Texas, and was second on the team with 8.5 sacks to go along with a team-high four forced fumbles. Moore moved from the joker spot to defensive end in the Aggies' switch to a 4-3 scheme and put together a first-team All-American season from several media outlets in 2012, and was a second-team AP All-American. He was also first-team All-SEC as the Aggies' leader in tackles (80), sacks (12.5), tackles for loss (20.0), quarterback hurries (8) and blocked kicks (2). "Today is a sad moment and a happy moment," Moore said in announcing he would forego his senior season. "It's always been a dream of mine to play in the NFL, but I've loved my time representing the 12th Man and with my teammates at Texas A&M. Wherever I go, I will always be an Aggie at heart." Moore was the third Aggie lineman since 1970 to lead the team in tackles, and the first since Sam Adams in 1993. "I couldn't be happier for Damontre as he pursues his professional dreams in the NFL," Aggies head coach Kevin Sumlin said. "He's been a great representative of Texas A&M University, as a student and a football player, and I know he will continue to be an ambassador for the University in everything he's does in the future. With the NFL shifting more towards the pass than ever, the need for versatile defenders capable of rushing the quarterback and dropping back into coverage is only increasing. Adding players who can play both roles -- as well as create turnovers -- is at a premium. In the Aggies' Moore, scouts see a prospect just scratching the surface of his potential.

locates the ball well and pursues with passion. closes on the ballcarrier quickly and shows good strength for the drag-down tackle. rips away at the ball when he can, showing the ability to force fumbles (8 over three seasons). developing use of hands to get into passing windows and when rushing kickers, blocking two kicks in 2012.

Showed surprising awareness, lateral agility and straight-line speed when asked to drop back into coverage.

has a tendency to allow his pad level to get too high when in run support and can be knocked back off the ball because of it. makes a disproportionate number of his tackles five yards downfield due to his hustle and isn't the consistently dominant defender his statistics might indicate.

COMPARES TO

john abraham, de, atlanta falcons -- like the falcons' perennial pro bowler, moore has the potential to rank among the league's top pass rushers whether as a classic 4-3 defensive end or as a stand-up pass rusher out of the 3-4.

--Rob Rang

weaknesses

Inconsistent get-off at the snap and does not appear to have elite explosiveness, overall. Remains a work in progress in terms of getting his hands up as a pass defender, posting only two pass breakups in 2012.

generates impressive speed off the edge, including a late burst to close. good flexibility to dip under the tackle's reach and has the long arms to keep his opponent from grabbing a hold of him.

Lines up in a variety of spots and is capable of beating defenders with his quickness, as well as bull rush and a complimentary spin move that he'll use to slip inside or outside. Improving strength as a run defender. Generally does a nice job of sealing off the edge to keep his containment responsibilities.

strengths

Possesses a lean, lanky build with plenty of room for additional muscle mass. Flashes a quick first step off the snap. Has long, strong arms and uses his hands well to defeat blocks.

Coached by Kiff Hardin at Rowlett High School

an honorable mention all-state selection by The Associated Press as a senior (2009)

was a first-team all-area honoree by The Dallas Morning News after recording 66 tackles, six sacks and two safeties

earned all-America honors from Max Emfinger and was a SuperPrep Southwest Team pick

chose Texas A&M over offers from Oklahoma State and Baylor.

Damontre Moore is the son of Detra Johnson of DeSoto, Texas and Damon Moore

born Sept. 11, 1992

undecided on a major.