Maryland Football: D.J. Moore brings so much to the table

D.J. Moore has been one of the key factors for Maryland’s offense looking so explosive through the first two games.

Moore brings so many different attributes to the field that make him such a talented wide receiver.

“As you watch it, you can see his talent and his ability,” coach D.J. Durkin said on Tuesday. “That’s pretty clear, that’s a big part of it. What makes him special to me is how he works and just what he does.” **Quotes via University of Maryland

Moore currently has 14 receptions for 230 yards to go along with three touchdowns. He’s currently averaging 16.4 yards-per-catch, which is second on the team behind Taivon Jacobs (17.5).

He has hauled in seven receptions in wins against Texas and Towson. Moore is coming off a two-touchdown performance against the Tigers on Sept. 9.

“D.J.’s just… he’s a physical guy,” Durkin added. “He’s built big for a receiver and still has the ability to run and change direction. Athletically, you don’t see many guys like that.”

Part of the appeal of Moore is his versatility. Moore is currently second on the team with 312 all-purpose yards behind running back Ty Johnson (356).

Moore has the ability to line up just about anywhere on the field. In Maryland’s 63-17 win over Towson, he had a 21-yard touchdown on a handoff in which he broke several tackles on a sensational dash to the end zone.

“It’s about his determination, his work ethic, he’s a competitor,” Durkin said. “When he catches that ball, he wants to do something with it. That’s a mindset. Some guys catch the ball and want to get to the ground. He doesn’t. He wants to catch the ball and gain yards and make something happen with it.”

Moore just continues to be an example of what Durkin wants the Maryland program to be.

Durkin put the Champions Club in place shortly after arriving in College Park last season. It’s a program that rewards players that do all the right things on and off the field.

“You guys are all familiar with our Champion’s Club, he’s been a champion every quarter since we’ve been here, Durkin said. “He’s the only guy on the team that’s been in the Champion’s Club every single quarter. That, to me, in our terms, as we define a program, speaks to his level of work ethic, accountability, all the things we talk about as a program. He’s the model guy for that.”

It’s clear that Moore is really held in high regard by the coaching staff for what he does in all aspects of the game. If a player is doing the right things, it’s hard to imagine him not getting a ton of targets when Saturday rolls around.

Next: Big Ten Power Rankings: Not much excitement in Week 3

Moore is clear one of the top wideouts in the Big Ten. His production on and off the field continues to be a major reason for that.