Rams’ Terrance Ferguson on QB Dante Moore’s Unseen Path Leading Oregon In CFP
MIAMI, FL — As the Oregon Ducks gear up for their imperative College Football Playoff (CFP) Quarterfinal clash against Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl, all eyes are, rightfully, on quarterback Dante Moore. He is not merely guiding his team; he is also orchestrating a possible championship journey, and his outstanding season as the quarterback has captured attention nationwide. However, for those who have been familiar with the Oregon program for an extended period, Moore’s rise is not unexpected; it serves as a testament to a modest humility and unwavering commitment that few recognized.
One witness is Los Angeles Rams rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson. Long before Moore was a household name, slinging passes on Saturdays, Ferguson saw the talent and, more importantly, the character that would one day continue to elevate Oregon’s offense. He had a front-row seat to Moore’s development, even before the young quarterback took his first snap as a starter.
“When Dante [Moore] came in, just the decision to come to Oregon in the first place and sit behind [former Oregon starting quarterback] Dylan [Gabriel], he knew he was going to sit for a year and learn the offense, learn our football system,” Ferguson told Nitecast Media. “From all the guys that he had with the coaches and Dylan and all the other people in the building. Just being able to be humble enough to come and do that and be able to wait for his time.”
Ferguson painted a picture of a player willing to delay gratification and constant portal jumping for the sake of long-term mastery and success.
“To take the keys to the team, I call it the Lambeau of Oregon’s offense, you know? And so he waited for his turn. He learned a lot of football, made a big decision to be able to be humble and sit that year, and kind of bet on himself.”
That “bet on himself” mentality clearly paid off for him. Ferguson, who is also a former teammate, did not doubt Moore’s raw focus and talent.
“He’s super talented. The day he walked in again, he’s a kid that can sling the ball wherever he wants, and just being able to put all those things together with the offense. Learning the ins and outs of the game of football, not just going out there and having the raw talent, but putting everything together.“
Beyond the physical gifts, it’s Moore’s character and mental fortitude that genuinely stand out to Ferguson.
“He’s a great kid off the field. He’s a great leader. We’ve all seen this coming. So (I’m} wishing him the best. That’s my guy for sure.“
Moore will truly have his hands full against Texas Tech’s formidable defense. Still, with a dynamic and healthy roster on both offense and defense, Oregon is increasingly looking like a team that could make a National Championship appearance in the CFP.
Currently, Terrance Ferguson continues to learn and adjust to the Rams’ style of play, as his team looks to make its own run in the NFL playoffs. But even as he navigates his rookie season in the pros, his heart and support remain with his former teammates. That connection to the Oregon program is strong, and Ferguson will undoubtedly be rooting for his old squad to go all the way and possibly raise a championship trophy.
It’s a testament to the kind of leader and impact Dante Moore has proven to have – inspiring loyalty and belief, not just from his current teammates, but from those who knew him before the world caught on. Whether Moore stays or declares for the NFL Draft, his impact will be a lasting one for the team, head coach Dan Lanning and the supporters of his college career.
