True freshman Rahim Moore feels the pressure every time he sees the ball snapped.
“Every play I feel like “˜Rahim, they’re about to come at me,'” Moore said. “I pretty much have to feel that way.”
For the 18-year-old free safety about to make his 10th career start on Saturday, he is the last line of defense for the Bruins.
Unlike the rest of the defense, if he makes a mistake there’s nobody to back him up. But his high-pressure role in the free safety spot is something he values, not fears.
“A lot of guys that play free safety just play it,” Moore said. “I cherish playing free safety. I like being the last line of defense.”
It’s a rarity for any true freshman to earn a starting role immediately but after a preseason battle for the job, it’s become Moore’s spot to lose.
“It was a good struggle for me,” he said. “But it all paid off, and I’m actually glad I was in that predicament. I know a lot of individuals don’t get this opportunity, and I’m just blessed to have it.”
Moore has taken advantage of his starting position and is tied for the team lead in interceptions with two. The other team leader? Junior cornerback and Moore’s self-described God-brother, Alterraun Verner.
“When I see Vern make plays, I say “˜I gotta make me some too,'” Moore said. “I learn from that guy. He’s a good role model.”
With an on-going bet going between the two friends, whoever has more interceptions by the year’s end is going to be running up a serious dinner tab.
“If Vern wins, which I highly doubt, I’ll probably treat him to one of my favorite restaurants, Cheesecake Factory or something like that,” Moore said. “I’ll treat him to something good, but if I win, he’s got to take me to Benihana’s or something. We’ve got a good little deal between each other. He knows it’s all for the love.”
Moore’s maturation process as a football player has been a crash course this season, as he has been forced to learn on the job. Part of that process is picking up on the details, the little things that can change games.
“I always watch these quarterbacks,” he said. “Do they telegraph their throws? Do they like throwing to certain sides? Does the quarterback make good decisions? If guys are looking the way that they’re going or if quarterbacks are switching their audibles. There’s a lot going on out there.”
Moore’s strengths on the field are his athleticism and his ability to fly to the ball, something he admires about Ed Reed, one of his favorite NFL safeties. His style of play has resulted in two picks and two fumble recoveries, but he’s also had to learn the hard way.
“A few guys got me, a few teams got me,” he said. “I was a little mad but I brushed it off and just went about the next play.
“Every day I’m learning. I make a lot of mistakes. I do a few good things but I’m still learning as the days go on.”
Moore’s learning curve will continue past this season, but for now, he’s focused on one thing and one thing only.
“It’s not about me or my stats,” he said. “I could care less about my stats. I just want to win. When you win, everybody notices you. It’s about time to make a change around here. “