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Imhotep Charter's Moore takes his talents to Maryland

Imhotep Charter coach Albie Crosby says there's a lot more to D.J. Moore than his route-running skills, strong hands, deceptive speed, and physical style of play.

Imhotep's Denniston Moore grabs a long pass over West Catholic's Ahkil
Crumpton during the first quarter of the AA city title championship.(Steven M. Falk/Staff Photographer)
Imhotep's Denniston Moore grabs a long pass over West Catholic's Ahkil Crumpton during the first quarter of the AA city title championship.(Steven M. Falk/Staff Photographer)Read moreSteven M. Falk / Staff Photographer

Imhotep Charter coach Albie Crosby says there's a lot more to D.J. Moore than his route-running skills, strong hands, deceptive speed, and physical style of play.

"The kid's personality is like a magnet," he said. "His smile makes you want to be around him. He captivates you."

Moore, a 6-foot, 195-pound senior wide receiver, plans to sign a letter of intent to play football at Maryland on Wednesday as part of national signing day.

In 12 games last season, while earning Inquirer first-team all-Southeastern Pennsylvania honors, the eye-catching leaper made 35 receptions for 1,012 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Moore, a four-star recruit according to Rivals.com, committed to the Terrapins last July. He also had scholarship offers from Illinois, Indiana, Pittsburgh, Temple, Virginia, and Wake Forest, among others.

"The Maryland coaches really care about their players," the 17-year old said. "And I wanted to stay pretty close to home, where my family and friends would be able to watch me. That was a big part of it."

Moore's stock began rising at showcase events and seven-on-seven tournaments in between his sophomore and junior seasons.

"He worked hard at becoming one of the most dynamic players in the state," Crosby said.

As a junior, Moore, with 36 catches for 779 yards and 13 scores, helped the Panthers go 12-3, claim the PIAA District 12 Class AA championship, and advance to the state final before losing to District 7's South Fayette.

"He's an easy kid to coach," Crosby said. "He listens to every word. Very rarely do you see him make the same mistake."

Maryland's wide receivers coach is Keenan McCardell, who played in 209 NFL games, with 168 starts, and totaled 883 receptions for 11,373 yards and 63 TDs. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection.

"He's a good teacher because he has so much experience," Moore said. "He wants to make you the very best receiver you can be. I'm looking forward to learning under him."

Last month Moore, who also was Imhotep's placekicker and punter last season, played in the eighth annual Offense-Defense Bowl in Orlando's Citrus Bowl Stadium.

Before reporting to Maryland, where he plans to major in kinesiology, the East Oak Lane resident is slated to play in the Big 33 Football Classic on June 20 at HersheyPark Stadium.

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