Maryland Football: DJ Moore Keeps Doing More

Throughout the course of this season, DJ Moore has proven his position as number one on this Maryland football team.

Ever since Moore took the reigns of jersey number one after Stefon Diggs left Maryland, people questioned if he could live up to the hype.

Diggs was a special player, and one of the best physical talents that Maryland fans had seen in years. His highlight plays were one of the only things that could keep fans invested the last time Maryland had a lengthy quarterback injury saga.

After Diggs left the University to begin his career in the NFL, there was suddenly a new number one on the field making plays.

In his first season, Moore took the field in all 12 games for the Randy Edsall-led Terrapins. His numbers were not outrageous, but he did have three touchdowns, which was the best Maryland had seen from a freshman since Diggs in 2012.

His sophomore year was when he started to be noticed on a larger scale. Moore finished the 2016 season with 41 catches for 637 yards and six touchdowns. This campaign included a number two play on Sportscenter against Indiana, and a screen pass that he took 92 yards for a score against Nebraska.

So far in 2017, his junior season, Moore has eclipsed his sophomore totals. But his numbers are not what makes him the best player on the field.

Against Michigan, Moore did almost everything he possibly could have. He had five catches for 37 yards, one pass completed for 21 yards, a 34-yard punt, and even a tackle after an interception by Ryan Brand. The only thing he did not do was run the ball, but he does average 12.2 yards per carry this season.

He has done all of this no matter who gives him the ball. With all the injuries Maryland has faced, Moore has been a common denominator, and that is why he now receives the recognition that he deserves.

On October 18th, 2017, Moore was added to the running for the 2017 Biletnikoff Award, given to the best receiver in the nation. He did not get selected as a semifinalist, but that does not change any numbers. Moore still leads the Big Ten in receptions (64), yards (857) and is in a three way tie for first in touchdowns (8).

Just as Maryland fans saw with Will Likely in 2015, DJ Moore could become an a stable, all-around weapon on offense. With any postseason hopes essentially gone, Durkin and his stay can toy around with some different sets and plays that they hope to build on.

With this talent comes a great choice at the end of the season. Moore is being noticed as a potential draft picks, and it is very easy to see why. His skill set and work ethic during his time in College Park easily washes out any doubts due to size.

If Moore returns for his senior season, he has a chance to become a first round talent. He may not be as flashy as Stefon Diggs, but teams will not pass up on this guy wearing number one for Maryland.