CHARLESTON -- Shane Moore doesn't look like a No. 15.
That's because he isn't.
"That was completely accidental," said Marshall's sophomore defensive tackle, after helping the defense to a 42-38 win over the offense here Saturday in the Herd's annual spring scrimmage at University of Charleston Stadium.
"I thought we were wearing game jerseys today for the public. So, I left my practice jersey at the school.
"When we got here, I realized we were supposed to be wearing practice equipment and they gave me D.J. Wingate's number ... and it did not fit at all."
Imagine squeezing a 6-foot-2, 280-pound defensive tackle into a jersey belonging to a 6-2, 185-pound cornerback. It was a cross between spandex and a straitjacket.
Yet, here's the irony. Although Moore didn't resemble a No. 15, he certainly played like a No. 15.
In fact, the number actually looked appropriate when the nose guard surprisingly dropped into pass coverage and intercepted a throw from second-team quarterback Brian Anderson.
Yes, you read correctly. Marshall actually has some defensive calls that drop the nose guard into coverage.
"In our schemes, you cop different people out to give the quarterback different looks," explained MU head coach Mark Snyder. "A linebacker buzzes here and all of a sudden your read tells you to go here ... bang, there's a big, ol' defensive lineman sitting there.
"That's my design. But that's what you get when you drop a nose guard back ... he's going to get his."
There's just one catch ... besides the interception, I mean. That wasn't the call on that play. Moore was free-lancing.
"It was kind of planned on my part," said Moore with a sheepish smile, "but it wasn't part of the defensive call. I take blame for that. I saw a wall of people and two of my fellow defensive teammates rushing the quarterback and I was reading his intentions.
"I saw a green jersey run right behind me. So, I figured I'd drop back and try to tip it or get a pick.
"Corey Hart (linebacker) was right there and it came off his back shoulder. He actually was about to catch it and take it to the house, but I thought he was wearing a green jersey ... that is what I saw go behind me.
"So, I stripped him and the ball just happened to fall in my hands and we got five points."
Moore's big play was just one of many by the defense, which dominated the scrimmage with sacks, blitzes and interceptions.
But his big play was particularly noticeable. How often does anyone see a 280-pound No. 15 make an interception?
"It was just kind of a read thing," said Moore. "With about 10 people over there on one side of the ball, I figure what's the point in rushing. I'm just taking up space, so I might as well try to be active and take a little bit of initiative.
"I'll probably get ripped for it, but it was worth it."
His punishment? I thought about suggesting making Moore wear that same No. 15 jersey for the rest of spring practice.
But the punishment didn't fit the crime any better than No. 15 fit Moore.
So, Shane, you're off the hook. Not to mention, off the rack.
Chuck Landon is a sports columnist for The Herald-Dispatch. Call him at (304) 526-2827. E-mail him at clandon@herald- dispatch.com.
7-day Archive
