The student section of Kyle Field knows of junior defensive lineman Damontre Moore. So do his teammates, the former students on hand and the media behind the press box glass. The nation knows Moore, as his name landed on the preseason watch list for the Ted Hendricks Award, given to the countrys finest defensive end. But in 2012, no one knows Moore the way opposing quarterbacks know him.
Dating back to last season, Moore recorded 12 quarterback sacks in seven games. In three games this season, he sits in a tie for third nationally with six sacks and 22 tackles, eight for a loss.
Moore has learned his lesson in two up-and-down seasons at A&M and said he knows consistency will play in more than gaudy early-season numbers.
[The statistics] give me a certain gratification, but at the same time I use it as motivation, Moore said. Its only our third game, and I use it as motivation like, Okay, I am there now but dont look at it like that. It doesnt matter where you start. Its where you finish.
Moores maturity was questioned throughout his first two years as flashes of brilliance were mixed with lackluster efforts. Moore said the opinions had merit.
I slacked off enough as it is, Moore said. I was a little complacent, especially my freshman year. I was just being immature and didnt have my
priorities straight.
In head coach Kevin Sumlins first season at the helm, Moore said something had changed.
When Coach Sumlin first got here, he was telling us how much time we have left and Ive only got two years left, Moore said. I just got tired of losing. Were just ready to prove
people wrong.
Sumlin said Moore has gone through a maturation process.
Damontre is really growing up, Sumlin said. Hes been a guy who has always had talent. What I think you see is a guy whos talented and a guy thats growing up and understands his role. When you become a mature player, you understand that its not all about you.
Defensive coordinator Mark Snyder said Moore must continue to buy into the programs schemes if he is to reach his potential.
Damontres effort has been outstanding, Snyder said. We talked about what was needed and what kind of player he could become. If he would just trust in us and do what we ask him to do, good things will happen.
Work ethic may have been a question mark of Moores at points, but there are some things no one has doubted of the athelete.
You dont worry about Damontre Moores confidence, Sumlin said. Ill put it that way.
After two years as a joker linebacker in a 3-4 defensive scheme, Moore has his hands to the turf before each snap in his new role as defensive end in Snyders new 4-3 system. The move is paying off in spades. In the opener against Florida his first opener at the new position Moore sacked Gators quarterback Jeff Driskel three times.
Moore didnt erupt out of high school; the talent didnt immediately translate to tackles and playing time. When he first donned the maroon and white in 2010, a senior by the name of Von Miller was in front of him on the depth chart. All Miller did was earn an All-American nod that season on his way to the NFL draft and a Rookie of the Year award. So Moore sat and he watched. Now, its his turn.
Moore said he hopes to emulate the professional success Miller has enjoyed with the Denver Broncos.
I use [Millers success] as motivation every day, Moore said.
Miller may no longer be a teammate of Moores, but the connections between the two havent dried up. Moore said his relationship with Millers parents is particularly healthy. He said they have supported him throughout his career.
[Millers parents have] been telling me that they see some of his qualities in me and weve gone through some of the same hardships, Moore said. They are constantly reminding me, this could be you. You could be better. Use this as your motivation and strive to achieve that goal.
Days away from a home date with Arkansas, Moore said the Aggie defense and he are finished with the talk, finished with the losses and finished with the excuses.
We have to make a statement too, Moore said. We want to come in and prove that we can hang with the other SEC schools.
Moore said he is proud of the work he has put in to get to this point, poised as he is to stamp his name across stat-lines and the clipboards of NFL scouts.
I take pride in everything I do, Moore said. If you dont take pride, what are you doing it for? We go out there every snap, every play. What you put on film is who you are. We have to have a sense of pride in that so we can show people that we arent who they say we are and we can prove people wrong.