Juco linebacker chooses Nebraska
Jeff Leiker, head football coach at Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College, said several NCAA Division I-A schools had been showing interest in Red Raven linebacker Dontrell Moore.
"Nobody had ever just pulled the trigger," Leiker said.
But when one school finally did, Moore responded.
Nebraska offered a scholarship, and Moore on Wednesday accepted, becoming the 17th player known to have given the Huskers an oral commitment to join the 2005 recruiting class.
"He was excited to get something locked," said Leiker, whose team, 9-2 and ranked No. 5 in the NCJAA polls, is preparing for a bowl game.
"I think a lot of folks had gotten film and hadn't had time," said Leiker, noting Arkansas has shown the most interest. "I think there may be others that may come scrambling, now.
"I know we sent a lot of film out. They probably didn't feel that threatened to make an offer."
Moore, a 6-foot-2, 215-pound native of Thibodaux, La., has experience playing both WILL and SAM linebacker. He's the third linebacker to orally commit to Nebraska's 2005 class, joining high school seniors Nick Covey and Phillip Dillard.
The Huskers have two seniors at linebacker this season, and one of their top freshman linebackers, Michael Keenan, has left the team.
"He'll be a contributor, first and foremost," Leiker said of Moore. "He could be a help on special teams. He's a guy that could just go all day, really. He's a well-conditioned kid."
Through 10 games this season, Moore had 49 tackles, including nine for 27 yards in losses. That includes 7½ sacks for 62 yards lost. He also had two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
Leiker has also used Moore as a rush end in third-down situations, and said Nebraska could use him coming off the edge as well, much like a Demorrio Williams, who excelled in that role last season for the Huskers.
"He's a fast kid, kind of a speed guy, and physical," Leiker said. "He could put on a little bit of weight as he gets older, too. He hasn't had a redshirt."
Moore is the third player to orally commit to Nebraska since the Huskers' 34-27 loss Saturday at Iowa State, joining California prep running back Marlon Lucky and Bellevue East defensive back and kick returner Robert Rands.
Reach Brian Rosenthal at 473-7436 or brosenthal@journalstar.com.
"Nobody had ever just pulled the trigger," Leiker said.
But when one school finally did, Moore responded.
Nebraska offered a scholarship, and Moore on Wednesday accepted, becoming the 17th player known to have given the Huskers an oral commitment to join the 2005 recruiting class.
"He was excited to get something locked," said Leiker, whose team, 9-2 and ranked No. 5 in the NCJAA polls, is preparing for a bowl game.
"I think a lot of folks had gotten film and hadn't had time," said Leiker, noting Arkansas has shown the most interest. "I think there may be others that may come scrambling, now.
"I know we sent a lot of film out. They probably didn't feel that threatened to make an offer."
Moore, a 6-foot-2, 215-pound native of Thibodaux, La., has experience playing both WILL and SAM linebacker. He's the third linebacker to orally commit to Nebraska's 2005 class, joining high school seniors Nick Covey and Phillip Dillard.
The Huskers have two seniors at linebacker this season, and one of their top freshman linebackers, Michael Keenan, has left the team.
"He'll be a contributor, first and foremost," Leiker said of Moore. "He could be a help on special teams. He's a guy that could just go all day, really. He's a well-conditioned kid."
Through 10 games this season, Moore had 49 tackles, including nine for 27 yards in losses. That includes 7½ sacks for 62 yards lost. He also had two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
Leiker has also used Moore as a rush end in third-down situations, and said Nebraska could use him coming off the edge as well, much like a Demorrio Williams, who excelled in that role last season for the Huskers.
"He's a fast kid, kind of a speed guy, and physical," Leiker said. "He could put on a little bit of weight as he gets older, too. He hasn't had a redshirt."
Moore is the third player to orally commit to Nebraska since the Huskers' 34-27 loss Saturday at Iowa State, joining California prep running back Marlon Lucky and Bellevue East defensive back and kick returner Robert Rands.
Reach Brian Rosenthal at 473-7436 or brosenthal@journalstar.com.
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