2013 NFL Draft: Exclusive Interview With UConn OLB Sio Moore
Sep 8, 2012; East Hartford, CT, USA; Connecticut Huskies linebacker Sio Moore (3) reacts after sacking North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback Mike Glennon (8) during the first half at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
UConn linebacker Sio Moore helped revive the Huskies football program and become one of the best defenders in the nation. He earned 1st Team All-Big East status after a season where he finished with 72 tackles, eight sacks, and 15.5 tackles for loss.
Moore is considered a 2nd or 3rd round prospect, and is the 68th ranked player on our 2013 Big Board. He was kind enough to take some time before he begins the next step in his football career to talk with NFL Mocks.
What has the draft process been like for you?
“It’s been a work in progress. I’m just trying to stay focused, stay hungry, and get myself ready to go and be part of something that’s going to be worthwhile for a lifetime.”
Who has been your biggest role model/inspiration on your NFL journey?
“I would say the women in my family. My mother, grandmother, my sister, my aunt–they are all so strong, and they’ve taught me and given me so much. I’m so appreciative of all the blessings I’ve had in my life.”
What is the best advice you’ve gotten?
“My coaches told me to handle everything in a first class professional manner. I’ve been taught that from high school all the way to UConn. Just to handle everything I do in a first class business manner. Always do things the right way. Stay on top of my goals and get things done.”
Did you have a favorite NFL team and/or player growing up?
“The first person I watched was Peter Boulware. Then I started diving deeper and deeper into linebackers. I started to love the game of Derrick Brooks, Derrick Thomas, and Lawrence Taylor. I dig deep when I look back at some of the greats. Ray Lewis, he’s been my inspiration and my biggest role model at playing the position. He doesn’t play the game just to play, but he plays with heart and soul. You want to play just like that.”
What NFL player have people compared you to, or would you compare yourself to?
“I havent really looked at comparisons. I’m not really trying to be compared to anyone else. I don’t compare because there’s a great group of linebackers in the league right now, and for me I feel as though I’m very dynamic and can play in any scheme or defense, anything they ask me to do. Covering, off the edge like a DL–I just want to put myself in a position where I can work hard day in and day out to be the kind of guy people compare other players to.”
What are your greatest strengths as a player?
“Besides my on-field skills, I like to be the guy to work to set an example. Off the field, I want to be a leader, be a guy thats going to go to work. I’m always looking for ways to find an edge. That’s what it takes to be good, or to be great. You have to pay attention to details.”
What teams do you feel have shown the strongest interest to this point?
“I really couldn’t even tell you. There’s an array of teams that have been interested. I’m just in a waiting process right now. I will tell you this, whoever picks me, there’s gonna be 31 other teams pissed off.”
What would it mean to you to be drafted to the NFL?
“It’s gonna mean that I got my foot in the door to go to work! It doesn’t stop at just getting drafted, you get an opportunity to go do what you love.”
Who is the toughest player you faced in college?
“I’d say the toughest I had to play against man to man was Nick Williams (WR, UConn). He was our punt returner, kick returner, slot receiver, and he’s the quickest guy I’ve tried to man up against. He really helped me prepare for game. Just a great athlete, teammate, leader, and he works hard for the stuff he wants and what he wants to be. He really gives me fits. The other guy coming off the ball as a defensive lineman is Adam Masters (OT, UConn) is one of the best linemen I’ve played against. Those are hard working dudes. It’s a shame to see that they’re not on as big of a radar as they should be. Had Adam not hurt his foot, he’d be one of the best linemen this year.”
What teammate at UConn were you closest to?
“It’s not just one. The group of us, we run like brothers. The class of 2008 came in at a hard time, and we were able to stick together. The list of players goes on and on. These guys–Dwayne Gratz, Blidi (Wreh-Wilson), Trevardo (Williams), Ryan Griffin, so many guys–we came in together and we fought the same fight, put in the same sacrifice and effort. I’m just happy to see where we’re at now.
I think there are a lot of guys who are going to surprise people. We don’t wait for opportunities we go and get them.”
What do you feel is your best position going forward?
“Straight up linebacker. I don’t know. There’s a bunch of different facets you can look into. I don’t play linebacker, I am linebacker. It’s part of my DNA, how I carry myself. I just happen to have the tools my coaches have given me to do so much more. I try to put myself in situations no matter where or any point in time in the game, I don’t come off the field.”
Are you finished taking visits?
“Yeah, I finished my visits last week. I’ve met with Baltimore, Dallas, St. Louis, Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, and Jacksonville.”
Is there an NFL player you’re most looking forward to facing?
“Every tight end in the NFL.”
NFL Mocks would like to again thank Sio Moore for taking some time out of his schedule to talk with us. He seems like a heck of a competitor, and we wish him the best wherever he might wind up!
Follow him on Twitter @MrUConn3