Mooney a bit hit on Malvern's offensive line

BECAUSE HE stands within a smidgen of 6-foot, 6-inches, Michael Mooney gets hit with the basketball question.

Again and again and again and . . .

Yes, he knows the difference between a dunk and a trey and, as recently as two winters ago, he started for Malvern Prep's junior varsity. Even now, he appreciates a spirited game of two-on-two or three-on-three with schoolmates and/or family members.

But Mooney's sport of choice is football and it would appear, strongly, he has made a wonderful decision.

Last June, he committed to Virginia and Malvern coach Kevin Pellegrini is now saying he might be the best blocker in the program's glorious history.

"He's relentless," Pellegrini said yesterday, as the Friars went through their practice paces. "You never have to tell him to go to the whistle. His goal, always, is to put his assigned guy on the ground. And he often does it."

Plus, aside from being ornery, he's a bit of a nomad.

Pellegrini mentioned a play in last Saturday's one-sided win over Penn Charter. Like pretty much always, Mooney lined up at left tackle. Shawn Wilson got the carry. And far downfield, at the right hash mark, Mooney pummeled a would-be tackler.

Pellegrini had never informed Mooney of his place on the Friars' big-'uns pedestal. So, when the coach's words were relayed to him yesterday, Mooney looked stunned. (And not because a quartet of beautiful girls just happened to be walking past en route, assumedly, to a soccer game elsewhere on campus.)

"Wow, that's quite an accomplishment," he semi-stammered. "This school has had a lot of great linemen. Do I believe what he said? Well, I do have confidence in myself."

Much credit goes to his older brothers, former Friars CJ (junior at Penn) and Sean (freshman at Towson). They, too, are gridders.

"It really helped being able to follow them, especially since we're close in age," Michael said. "I always had that taste of what it was like [to succeed]. They always told me to put it into my mind that I could do it, and they've always been great with showing me things and letting me work out with them."

So, was one brother prone to nurturing while the other, say, played the part of mean cop?

Michael declined to get dragged into that potential mess.

"I like 'em both," he said, smiling. "Equally."

Also, he didn't hesitate to point out that his sister, Katie, is a blossoming field hockey, basketball and lacrosse stalwart at nearby Villa Maria Academy.

Mom and Dad are Diane and Chuck - the family calls Chester Springs home - and their respective heights are 5-10 and 6-3. At about this time 3 years ago, Michael was roughly 6-1, 180.

"I guess I'm finished growing," he said, "but I wouldn't mind getting even taller."

Because he displays good feet, Mooney could probably play tight end. Don't expect him to request a switch, however. He's a dedicated member of the Glad to be a Grunt Club.

"I love playing the offensive line," he insisted. "I've been in the trenches my whole life. That's not really a spotlight place because no one's watching you except the coaches and a select number of fans; probably your family members. It's a personal pride thing. There's that constant battle - you against the other guy. That's what I love about it."

Added rewards ain't bad, either.

Malvern's offensive line includes center Joe Smith, guards Connor Mahoney (Northwestern commit) and David Srinivasan, tackles Mooney and John Bradford, and tight end Dan Riordan. Their position coach is Bob Carey, a first-magnitude Malvern lineman in 1972, and sometimes his pockets prove to be deep.

"Every time we score 28 points, he gets us pizza after Thursday's practice," Mooney said. "This week he's going to let Shawn Wilson join us because he was so good against Penn Charter (196 yards, four touchdowns)."

Malvern is 6-1 overall. After falling to Ridley, 21-20, in the season opener, the Friars have been pretty much dominant (217-37 scoring advantage). Episcopal Academy, Haverford School and Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (administrators really want people to use the new name; are you feelin' it?) remain on the league portion of the schedule, then St. Joseph's Prep will be the Thanksgiving opponent.

Mooney, it has been confirmed, will merely show up and play. Those foes are on their own for bulletin board material.

Once he enters Virginia, which turned out to be his final precommitment offer (a new assistant wanted to meet him to confirm his size), Mooney will prepare to become a businessman, or maybe even a coach. Very much undecided is where his parents, with three sons playing in college, will head for fall weekends 2012.

"Big dilemma in the Mooney household," Michael quipped.

And don't expect Son No. 3 to make things easier by switching to basketball.

Online high school coverage at philly.com/rally.