Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, April 21, 1991 TAG: 9104210063
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: D1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DOUG DOUGHTY SPORTSWRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
So, when pro scouts consistently timed Moore in 4.5 seconds for 40 yards, it didn't bother him when he was measured at 6 feet 3 3/4.
Moore was listed at 6-5 throughout his college career, but, until recently, nobody knew how fast he was.
When word got out, it virtually guaranteed Moore's selection in the first round of today's National Football League draft.
"It's not a lock," argued Moore, an All-America receiver from Virginia. "There are a number of talented receivers in the draft, so teams might take care of their other needs, thinking they can come back on the second round and pick up a quality receiver."
They might not find Moore, who gained attention for his leaping ability and sure hands and fulfilled a preseason vow when he was not caught from behind all year.
"The only receiver clearly [better] than the rest is Randal Hill [of Miami]," said Brad Blank, a Boston-based agent who represents Moore and UVa teammates Shawn Moore and Jason Wallace. "I'm not counting `Rocket' Ismail [of Notre Dame]. He's in a category by himself."
Herman Moore attended the National Scouting Combine camp in Indianapolis. The first time he worked out for pro scouts was Feb. 28 in Charlottesville.
"Some of the scouts had me at 4.45 or 4.46," Moore said, "but that was on an artificial surface, which converts to 4.52 or 4.53 on grass. But then they had me run on grass and I ran a 4.53. Nobody's come back in and said, `We've got to time you.' "
According to most projections, Moore will go between the 10th and 15th picks, although he was one of seven players invited to Denver for an interview. The Broncos draft fourth.
"They weren't flying in 28 guys; so, evidently there was strong interest," Moore said. "But they indicated they had other primary needs, like linemen and defensive guys."
Reports out of Denver indicate the Broncos may be willing to trade the No. 4 pick for the 11th or 12th pick and other considerations.
"That scenario might include Herman," Blank said. "I get the impression the Broncos are in love with one player - they haven't told me, but I think it's [Nebraska linebacker] Mike Croel - and if he's not available, it's hard to say what they'll do."
The teams that have expressed the most interest in Moore are Detroit, which has the No. 11 pick, and Pittsburgh, which drafts 16th. Other teams making repeat visits to Charlottesville were Dallas, Atlanta, Cleveland and the New York Giants. Sports Illustrated predicted Cincinnati would pick Moore.
"Detroit has changed its offense," Moore noted. "They're getting away from the run-and-shoot and they're looking for another big, outside guy. This year, I think a lot of teams are looking for the big receivers because it's so rarely they come around."
If he had a preference, Moore said, it would be Atlanta. For one thing, he likes Atlanta's uniforms, but it seems unlikely he will be joining the Falcons, who have the third pick in the first round.
Atlanta is considered a possible destination for UVa quarterback Shawn Moore, the ACC player of the year in 1990. Moore, who finished fourth in balloting for the Heisman Trophy, suffered a dislocated thumb requiring surgery after the 10th game of the season.
"Well, he slid down a lot because he came back and played hurt in the Sugar Bowl and Hula Bowl," draft analyst Mel Kiper said. "Maybe they should give Shawn credit for being tough and trying to play, but they don't.
"That definitely hurt him, and I guess Shawn's going to be this year's Rodney Peete. Shawn shouldn't get worked up about being a sixth-rounder like Peete was. Shawn Moore is going to play in the NFL; I'm certain. He's no less of a quarterback than any other quarterback in the draft."
Blank said he, too, has used the Peete analogy with Moore.
"I asked Shawn the other day, `Who would you rather be, Andre Ware or Rodney Peete?' " Blank said. "The jury is still out on Ware, and he was the seventh pick in the whole draft [by Detroit]. Peete didn't go till the sixth round, but he's the guy the Lions are going with.
"With Shawn, I'm not so interested in the round as the situation. I'm more interested in the long term than the short term. We don't want him going somewhere that he'll be the fifth quarterback."
Blank said he has tried to prepare Shawn Moore for any possibility, even the chance that he will not be drafted. British Columbia of the Canadian Football League has Moore on its negotiation list and has expressed interest.
The second Virginia player selected could be tight end Bruce McGonnigal, who has recovered from the lacerated spleen that caused him to miss six games. Wallace may get a call, as could fellow cornerback Tony Covington and center Trevor Ryals.
Al Chamblee, who played defensive end for Virginia Tech, has been projected as an inside linebacker by the pros and is the Hokies' player most likely to be drafted. Reserve running back Ralph Brown, who has NFL size (6-2, 228) and speed, also may be selected.
William and Mary fullback Tyrone Shelton, Tribe offensive guard Reggie White, and defensive backs Eupton Jackson of James Madison and James Smith of Richmond also have shown up on some NFL prospect lists.
The word most associated with draft forecasts is "speculative," and that even goes for people supposedly in the know. One team can make a surprise pick and affect an entire round.
by CNB