UCLA Football: How Dante Moore Thrived in His Debut Without The Start

The freshman QB was ready for the moment

The UCLA Bruins picked up their first win of the season in Week 1 over the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, 27-13. 

Although junior QB Ethan Garbers got the start, everyone was waiting for the true freshman phenom, Dante Moore, to get some run in. Garbers may have started the game, but Moore shined the brightest as he helped propel the Bruins to victory and showcased his talent on national television. 

The offense was a lot more fluid with Moore in there, and that's rare with a true freshman under center and someone who didn't get to start the game. Moore spoke to the media after throwing for two touchdowns and revealed how he was able to come in and not skip a beat. 

"All my life, I've always worked and been the starter. High school, coming in as a true freshman; I always took the first snaps all throughout high school and always started off the first drive. Really when my chance got called and being in college football and just going on the field and always taking a deep breath and apperciating the moment. I prayed about this, and I was just blessed to be here."

(via Dante Moore)

This is uncharted waters for Moore, but he handled it like the mature young man he is and delivered when his number was called. 

The quarterback of the future may need to be the future of the present. There's no denying the talent level and maturity he's displayed on the gridiron and to the media. Moore is the real deal, and I'll be surprised if this QB rotation lasts past this month.