Dante Moore: UCLA’s Rising Star Challenges Top College Quarterbacks

The legend of Dante Moore is thriving in Westwood, where the Detroit native’s commitment shift from Oregon to UCLA has ignited fervor among program enthusiasts. Moore’s arrival during the spring ball season and his persistent competition for the starting quarterback role have not gone unnoticed. Despite Chip Kelly’s guarded responses, it appears Moore has clinched the starting position, just in time for a pivotal Week 4 conference clash against Utah.

During UCLA’s recent Week 3 victory over North Carolina Central, Moore showcased remarkable efficiency during his brief time on the field. He completed 8-of-12 passes for 182 yards, delivering two touchdowns. His performance was crowned with a remarkable QBR of 97.5, according to ESPN. Pro Football Focus, assessing the past weekend’s quarterback performances, ranked Moore second-best among all signal-callers.

Examining these statistics from a broader perspective, Moore’s achievement becomes even more impressive when considering the fierce competition within his conference. It’s crucial to emphasize that Moore competes against an exceptional group of quarterbacks. Last year’s Heisman winner, USC’s Caleb Williams, is the frontrunner for this year’s award and a likely candidate for the 2024 NFL Draft’s top overall pick. Additionally, Oregon’s Bo Nix, Washington’s Michael Penix, and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders are all strong contenders for early-round selections next year. Utah’s Cam Rising, Washington State’s Cam Ward, and Oregon State’s D.J. Uiagalelei also stand as formidable college quarterbacks.

Despite being only a true freshman, Moore is neck-and-neck with these accomplished players. His composure on the field defies his freshman status, demonstrating a level of maturity and skill more commonly seen in multi-year veterans. The prospect of Moore’s development into an upperclassman is undoubtedly thrilling for UCLA’s coaching staff and their dedicated fan base.