D.J. Moore

Moore is perhaps the most versatile athlete to ever wear a Commodores uniform. During his three seasons at Vanderbilt, he has lined up at cornerback, wide receiver, tailback, slot back, punt returner and kickoff returner, in addition to taking direct snaps as a quarterback, accomplishing all of that in both his sophomore and junior seasons. Do not consider him a jack-of-all-trades though, as he is a team-first player but loves the physical contact he can generate on the defensive side of the ball. "He does it all,'' Vanderbilt head coach Bobby Johnson said about Moore. "If he were a wide receiver by trade, he would be a fantastic one. He's a kick returner. He almost had an interception one time and their guy made a great play on it. He is physical, came up and made some great tackles. He's a top-notch player.'' Moore says he is just eager to help out any way he can. All the Vanderbilt coaching staff needs to do is ask. "I do what they ask me to do,'' Moore said of his different roles. "If they asked me to do anything, I'll do it because I'm part of the team. If they ask me to do it, I try to do it.'' Moore was a four-year starter at Broome High School, competing mostly as a wide receiver and defensive back. He was named South Carolina Class AA Special Teams Player of the Year and Region 2-2A Player of the Year as a senior. The two-time All-State receiver had 48 receptions for 896 yards and 14 touchdowns during his final campaign. His lone rushing attempt was good for an 84-yard score. In addition, Moore returned three punts for touchdowns and totaled 39 tackles with six interceptions on defense. He helped lead the squad to the 2004 state title, earning MVP honors in championship game. He also posted five receptions and a touchdown in the postseason Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. Moore was also a three-time All-State selection in basketball, as he led that team to the state title as junior. That season, he averaged 14 points, 10 rebounds and five assists per game. Adding to his athletic resume, he was the reigning high jump state champion with a personal best of 6'6". As a true freshman, Moore shared left cornerback duties with Josh Allen, starting nine contests. He was named Specialist of the Week in his collegiate debut vs. Michigan, going on to record 37 tackles (27 solos), as he shared the team lead with three fumble recoveries and also had two pass deflections, along with one interception. Moore started every game at left cornerback in 2007, in addition to handling the bulk of kickoff return chores. The Associated Press All-Southeastern Conference first-team choice was named the squad's Defensive MVP, as he ranked second on the team with 83 tackles (63 solos), adding a 9-yard sack and two stops for loss. His six interceptions rank tied for fifth on the school single-season record list, as he returned one for a touchdown. He also deflected 10 passes and ranked fourth in the league with a 25.7-yard average (tied the Commodore single-season record) on 32 kickoff returns. In brief action on offense, he gained 78 yards on six carries (13.0 avg). In 2008, the junior started all year at left cornerback, but also played a variety of roles for the special team and offensive units. He produced 58 tackles (30 solos) that included one sack among his 4.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage. He caused and recovered a fumble, broke up seven passes and tied his career-high with six interceptions. On offense, he carried nine times for 76 yards (8.4 avg) and snared seven passes for 143 yards (20.4 avg), including two touchdowns. He returned 21 kickoffs for 407 yards (19.4 avg) and amassed 244 yards on 17 punt returns, ranking third in the league and 11th nationally with a 14.35-yard average. After the Music City Bowl, the Commodores' All-American defensive back made it known that he would forgo his final season of eligibility and make himself available for the NFL Draft. Moore revealed his decision during a post-game interview with ESPN and reaffirmed a short time later after he showered and dressed. "About the middle of the season I decided I was good enough to leave," he said. "I had done well. ... I wanted to be All-American, so once I was (second-team) All-American there was pretty much nothing left to do."

positives

Good upper body build for his size. Very quick to support the run or attack quick screens and passes in the flat. Quick reactions and instincts make him a natural in zone. Not contact shy, so receivers will expect to get hit on shorter routes. Sits on routes and closes very quickly to make quarterbacks pay if they birddog. Looks like he knows routes as well as the receiver does. Very good straight-line speed and will chase his teammates' receivers downfield. Tries to knock the ball out after securing the tackle. As a slot receiver, Moore has the strength to get off the line, elusiveness in the open field, reliable hands to adjust to poor throws and an ability to track the ball over either shoulder. Extremely quick feet on routes, accelerating past defenders. Uses those receiver skills after interceptions.

negatives

Barely adequate height for a corner. Thin legs. Not asked to press much. Lack of size could make bringing down bigger and quicker NFL receivers tough when closing fast. Can be dominated by good blocking receivers. A bit slow to react when receiver stutters and heads up the field. May not have the recovery speed to catch up to quicker NFL receivers using fakes or double moves, and his aggressive style could also cost him in this regard. Doesn't always secure the ball or make good decisions on punt returns while trying to do too much.

2007: Suffered a chest contusion vs. Tennessee (11/17). 2008: Suffered a high ankle sprain vs. Boston College (12/31) in the Music City Bowl, but even though the training staff said he was done for the day, he got his ankle taped and came back out to play the second half.

Campus: 4.57 in the 40-yard dash

1.54 10-yard dash

2.67 20-yard dash

4.45 20-yard shuttle

7.03 three-cone drill. Combine: 4.56 in the 40-yard dash

1.54 10-yard dash

2.62 20-yard dash

4.28 20-yard shuttle

7.01 three-cone drill

39.5-inch vertical jump

9'10" broad jump

Bench pressed 225 pounds 17 times.

Moore attended Broome (Spartanburg, S.C.) High School, playing football for head coach Quay Farr

Four-year starter, competing mostly as a wide receiver and defensive back

Named South Carolina Class AA Special Teams Player of the Year and Region 2-2A Player of the Year as a senior

The two-time All-State receiver had 48 receptions for 896 yards and 14 touchdowns during his final campaign

His lone rushing attempt was good for an 84-yard score

In addition, Moore returned three punts for touchdowns and totaled 39 tackles with six interceptions on defense

Helped lead the squad to the 2004 state title, earning MVP honors in championship game

Posted five receptions and a touchdown in the postseason Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas

Three-time All-State selection in basketball, as he led that team to the state title as junior

That season, he averaged 14 points, 10 rebounds and five assists per game

Adding to his athletic resume, he was the reigning high jump state champion with a personal best of 6'6"

Member of the French honors organization.

Sociology major, enrolled in the College of Arts and Science

Joined teammates mentoring to local youngsters at Boys & Girls Club center

Son of Doris and Eddie Moore

Born David James Moore on 3/22/87

Resides in Spartanburg, South Carolina.