Emerging from the shadows, this sophomore receiver is poised to seize a pivotal role, channeling lessons learned into championship-level play.
The Miami Hurricanes had several impactful players declare for the upcoming NFL Draft, leaving multiple voids to fill. The wide receiver core was revamped with transfer portal additions, but there will be opportunities for in-house talent to grow, including Joshua Moore. He caught 17 passes for 210 yards, scoring two touchdowns in 14 games, no starts, as a freshman.
After the departures of CJ Daniels, Keelan Marion, Nathaniel “Ray Ray” Joseph, Ny Carr, Chance Robinson, and Joshisa Trader, it was a clear path for Moore to climb the depth chart. The 19-year-old will likely step into an expanded role, which requires both higher production and leadership.
“I feel like year one was a year for me to sit back and learn,” he said. “This year, I feel like I’m improving on everything: route-running, communication, and being a leader. Being inside of the building more when I’m not supposed to. So just everything, getting better at every aspect of the game.”
Moore was part of the same recruiting class as emerging star Malachi Toney, who had a historic freshman season: catching a nation’s high 109 passes for 1,211 yards, scoring 13 total touchdowns, playing in all 16 games. After catching a glimpse of greatness up close, it inspires the Miami native to make similar strides.
“Seeing him go up, it just motivates me that I can go up too,” he added. “I can do it too. We both can be at the top.”
Moore is projected to play a reserve role as the x-wide receiver, behind South Carolina Gamecocks transfer Vandrevius Jacobs. The Hurricanes will likely move him around the field and display versatility.
The team’s offense has the opportunity to rank among the best in the nation, especially with All-ACC quarterback Darian Mensah at the helm.
Regardless of all the talent, Moore experienced the program establishing a new winning culture and standard coming off a National Championship appearance. He gained tremendous knowledge about what it takes to reach the highest level of college football.
Coach Mario Cristobal revealed to have “big plans” for the sophomore wide receiver as spring practice reaches the finale. It shows the program’s confidence in Moore’s talents and development. He has high expectations for himself this upcoming season.
“[The fans] need to expect nothing but greatness,” Moore said. “The receiver that’s going to get get everything. I’m coming, [I’m going to] show them.”
The Hurricanes could have another homegrown star emerging.
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