Matt Elliser, The Examiner
2007-12-26 08:00:00.0
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SAN FRANCISCO -

The best sprint of his life.

That’s what Maryland defensive tackle Dre Moore remembers most about fulfilling every lineman’s dream against Boston College earlier this season. The 6-foot-4, 311-pound fifth-year senior dropped into pass coverage late in the first quarter, read quarterback Matt Ryan’s eyes and made a clean catch for the first interception of his career before rambling an unforgettable 12 yards.

It set up Maryland’s second touchdown in what became the most impressive win of the season for the Terrapins, a 42-35 victory over the then-No. 8 Eagles on Nov. 10.

“That was just the sweetest thing ever,” Moore said. “As soon as I caught it, my reaction was just ‘Oh, crap, run.’ That was my moment.”

Moore plays a position that centers on the selfless role of stuffing the run and occupying double teams to create clear paths for linebackers to make tackles, but Moore has earned his share of the spotlight this year. As Maryland (6-6) prepares to finish its season against Oregon State (8-4) here at the Emerald Bowl on Friday night at 8:30, the native of Charlotte, N.C., already has recorded a team-high six sacks, has made 59 tackles — 8.5 behind the line of scrimmage — and was recently named first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference.

Not bad for a guy who didn’t play varsity football until his senior year in high school.

“Dre’s really a remarkable kid,” Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen said. “He’s shown what hard work can do for you, and has matured into a heck of a player.”

After being redshirted in 2003, Moore was a reserve during the 2004 and 2005 seasons. But during the past two seasons, he has blossomed into one of the team’s best defensive players — so good he has a chance to play in the NFL.

Moore has been an integral part to Maryland’s ability to stop the run, as he was at his best the team held North Carolina State to just 10 rushing yards during a 37-0 victory on Nov. 24 that made the Terrapins bowl-eligible.

One of Moore’s mentors in College Park was Maryland alum Shawne Merriman, now an All-Pro linebacker with the San Diego Chargers. The pair played together in 2004 and 2005, and Moore hopes to see Merriman on the field next year — as an NFL player.

“I learned a lot from him,” Moore said, “about how hard you need to work and how relentless you need to be on the field.”

melliser@examiner.com