Interview: 3-Star 2020 All-State Tennessee LB Aaron Moore Updates Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2018 season was stuff dreams are made of for the Oakland High School football team. The Patriots posted a 14-1 record taking home a 6A Tennessee state title avenging a regular season loss to Maryville in the playoffs. Along the way, Class of 2020 linebacker Aaron Moore began stamping his legacy in the Murfreesboro community as a top-flight defender. The 6-2, 210-pound, playmaker put an end to 63 plays with 12 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, seven QB hurries, a fumble recovery and blocked two punts. His actions on the field garnered first team All-Conference, third team All-State, and 11 honors to date from collegiate programs in the form of scholarship offers.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with the Patriot’s three-star recruit covering his play on the field and recruiting process thus far.
Interview
Aaron, the Patriots had a season to remember capturing a 6A Tennessee state title and getting revenge against Maryville along the way. What was the run through the season and the playoffs like for you?
“For me, it was about being focused and working hard with my teammates. I was focused on being a leader on defense for my team.”
How did your game as a linebacker improve throughout the season?
“I became more confident, and I always showed up. I got better at reading offenses, especially after seeing more of the same teams.”
What are the strengths to your game overall?
“I am athletic, I can play multiple positions, I can cover, blitz, play the run, and get to the QB.”
Which areas of your game are you focused on this spring?
“I am focused on getting better at reading plays. Trusting your keys and making plays is my focus.”
Is there anything you are doing differently this offseason with your preparation or training that you hope will make a big difference during your senior year?
“No. We did the same thing last offseason – work hard. We did a lot of two-a-days training sessions last season. We put a lot of hours into it last year and are doing the same this year.”
Have you competed at any national camps yet this offseason?
“Yes. I competed at the Under Armour All-American Camp – I did well. I am going to the Nike Opening in Nashville, a Ray Lewis Camp and Adidas Three-Stripe camp upcoming.”
The Under Armour Camp went well for you, what all did you do to make it a great camp for yourself?
“I think there were 26 linebackers there. I finished fourth out of all them. I ran a 4.59 in the 40, I had two picks, and I did well in the drills. I did my thing up there.”
With recruiting, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“I am receiving interest from Kentucky, Louisville, Wake Forest, Cincinnati, and Texas A&M to name a few.”
Nice. How many offers do you have now?
“I have 11 offers.”
Moore’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Austin Peay, Charlotte, Memphis, Missouri, Purdue, Rutgers, Tulane, and UTSA
Which schools have you visited this offseason?
“I have taken visits to Memphis and Arkansas.”
How did the Memphis visit go?
“It was nice. I enjoyed the environment there.”
What about Arkansas, how did that go?
“It was fun. I enjoyed the environment up there as well. Arkansas is a really nice place.”
Do you have any planned visits coming up?
“I might be going to South Carolina this weekend.”
That’ll be fun for you if it happens. When you go on a visit to any school, what do you like and dislike about the process?
“There is nothing I dislike. What I do like, I like doing film study with the coaches. I like to see how they run their defense and how they will use me. That is interesting to see that stuff.”
What is most important to you in the recruiting process that will help shape your final decision?
“I am looking for a school that will prepare me for life after school. Will the school help prepare me for raising a family and what comes after football and college? With the coaches, I do not want to go to a place where the coach is leaving. I am looking at finding a college I can call home.”
Aaron, it was great learning more about you and your play on the field today. I appreciate your time.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Moore family; Aaron Moore at Arkansas