Moore Treasures Chance to Contribute

Democrat Richard Moore didn't end up needing any additional votes Tuesday in his run to become North Carolina's state treasurer.

If he had, a member of the North Carolina football team with the same name wouldn't have been much help.

UNC sophomore Richard Moore filled out an absentee ballot for his home state of Tennessee, but he said he wouldn't have voted for his namesake in North Carolina.

"Nah, definitely not," Moore said. "I'm a very strong Republican from Tennessee. I was part of the stronghold in Tennessee that didn't let (Al) Gore win his own state."

Even though Moore has no plans to get a degree in political science, he has been a major contributor in kicker Jeff Reed's campaign for the Lou Groza Award.

Reed was named one of 20 finalists for the award, and Moore has been by his side all season. He has made the hold on all 13 of Reed's field goals and each of his 21 extra points.

"There's no doubt, Richard Moore is a very valuable member of our football team," UNC coach Carl Torbush said.

Moore has gotten the opportunity to hold since he made the move to offense last spring. A linebacker as a freshman last season, Moore switched to quarterback because of UNC's rash of injuries at the position.

While Reed may receive most of the attention after a converted kick, Moore gets exposure each time the Tar Heels play a televised game.

Moore can be found next to offensive coordinator Mike O'Cain relaying signals to quarterback Ronald Curry. Moore said the quarterbacks conferred at the beginning of the season to come up with signals that are easy to recognize.

But they aren't as recognizable as Moore, who dons a backward UNC cap during most games.

"I'm very publicly noticed," Moore said. "My family always talks about it. My friends always notice that my hat is on backward."

Moore has had to adjust to the reduction in contact that has resulted since his move away from linebacker. And although Moore got to fill at that position during fall practice, he considers himself a full-time quarterback.

Not that Moore thinks he is going to push Curry for the starting job any time soon.

"I can throw the ball down the field, but he can throw it 70 yards on the run," said Moore, who played quarterback for three years as a prep star at Memphis University School. "I'd have to run 10 yards up the field to get it there."

Despite Moore's change to offense, he has stuck with the No. 43 that he wore as a linebacker. He doesn't plan to switch, either.

"It's kind of a linebacker mentality playing quarterback," he said. "If I were to get out in the open and run, I'm not much of a juker."

The Sports Editor can be reached at sports@unc.edu.