The best skill is availability. Devin Moore, a junior cornerback, rose to prominence as a true freshman in 2022, but he has only featured in 11 of Florida’s 25 games since then.
While injuries have kept the Naples, Florida native off the field, he has done well when given the opportunity. Moore was Florida’s best defensive player through five games in 2023, allowing only five receptions for 30 yards on 12 targets, according to Pro Football Focus. Moore also had an interception and three pass breakups, with an NFL passer rating of 42.4, the lowest among the Gators.
The 6’2.75″, 197-pound cornerback spent his offseason working on staying healthy and avoiding further injuries.
“I was definitely at my lowest a few moments between that season, but you know the support I had from my teammates, coaches, training staff, I took a lot of lessons out of it, how to treat my body weight better, it’s all about the things you eat, you know just the little things, all the little things I could do to just prevent any of that stuff from happening,” Moore told reporters during spring camp.
Moore has tremendous potential, according to star sophomore wide receiver Tre Wilson.
“I expect him to go first round this year,” Wilson told reporters. “I think he’s NFL-ready. Every rep I take against him, I see him as a potential NFL player.”
“He’s a go-getter,” Moore explained. “He’s not too much on talking or being all loud, but he most definitely a go-getter.”
Moore is slated to start with senior cornerback Jason Marshall in 2024, who recognizes the need of keeping No. 28 healthy.
“I’m glad to have him back,” Marshall said of Moore. He’s healthy, which is a wonderful thing. I know I can trust him just because he is on the opposite side. He’ll make plays, and so will I. The most important thing is that he is healthy and, hopefully, will remain so.
“He made a significant change in his body, the way he eats,” Marshall added.
Moore is totally healthy and ready to make an impact for the Gators’ defense, which is seeking to make great advances in 2024 under DB coach Will Harris. Moore has the physical potential and improved technique to have a successful season provided he stays healthy. Moore is my top pick for breakout player of the year.
