Stock Rising for Tramonda Moore; 4-Star OT Has Nearly 20 Offers Since June
By Damon Sayles Aug 21, 2015
Two months ago, Tramonda Moore didn't have an FBS offer.
That's hard to believe when it's reiterated that he's 6'5", a deceptive 350 pounds and a two-way starter at offensive tackle and defensive tackle for John Marshall High School in Oklahoma City. It's also hard to believe considering Moore is a 4-star athlete—the only 4-star player in the state of Oklahoma, per 247Sports' composite rankings.
Moore picked up his first FBS offer from Oklahoma State in June. Fast-forward to now, and Moore is pushing toward 20 total offers and has the opportunity to play in the Big 12, SEC or ACC if he chooses. On Friday, Moore picked up his latest offer from Florida State.
Among the other schools that have offered: Oklahoma, Alabama, TCU, Georgia and Missouri.
"It's all kinda jumped out of nowhere with Oklahoma State and then Oklahoma," Moore said. "I was surprised when Alabama offered, then Georgia, then Missouri...it's been crazy, but I'm blessed to know I have the opportunity to play at a major college.
"I can't say I expected this, but my family and friends always say to keep working and keep grinding. They push me to work hard in the weight room and the classroom. I know the coaches want to see my work ethic and what you do when nobody's watching. I know I have to be better than good."
Ranked as the nation's No. 32 offensive tackle, Moore has the skills to play offensive tackle, offensive guard and defensive tackle at the next level. Moore said he has a preference to play tackle in college, but he is open to playing anywhere on the line in an effort to see early playing time.
"I know at defensive tackle, I can move around and make a lot of plays," Moore said, "but a lot of coaches say my career is at left tackle. I want to play left tackle at the next level."
At 350 pounds, Moore definitely has the mass to play tackle or guard. He's a streamlined 350-pounder, which makes him look closer to 310, and he has very strong legs that are huge. Moore bench presses 405 and squats 585. these numbers are very impressive for a tall player, for whom weight room leverage can be a problem
The national hearsay on Moore didn't skyrocket until after he competed at a one-day camp at Alabama last month. He was offered a scholarship after the camp and has seen his stock rise ever since.
Friday's Florida State offer is huge, as he called Florida State a "dream school" as a kid.
Still, Moore said he doesn't plan on making a verbal commitment until national signing day. Weighing all of his options is a priority, and he said he doesn't want to make any decisions before first taking all of his official visits. A decision on signing day also gives him a chance to focus on his senior year at John Marshall.
"I've talked to my family and friends, and I'm going to take my time with everything," he said. "I really want to look at the depth at my position. I don't want to go somewhere where there are 10 or 12 guys already there. I want to go somewhere where I can get on the field immediately and be an impact on offense."
As for upcoming official visits, Moore said he is still in the process of finalizing the five schools. He doesn't have a clear favorite, but he said every school that has offered has a shot.
And what is Moore looking for in a winning program?
"I'm looking at the coaching staff. My position coach, can I relate with him?" he said. "How many players have been to the league? What is that program's winning percentage? I'll be looking at stuff like that.
"I also will be looking at depth, the players and just being around the campus. I want to see myself being there for the next four to five years. You want to see yourself comfortable, and I want to be able to be comfortable in finding a university."
Consider it all due diligence for someone who has watched his recruiting hit race car speeds in only a few weeks.