David Moore won’t start at quarterback for The University of Memphis this fall, nor will he back up Brady White. In fact, Moore won’t even take one class at U of M this fall. He has transferred to another institution.
“David Moore is no longer a part of the program,” said Tigers Head Coach Mike Norvell after the team’s Tuesday morning practice. “He has elected to explore options and decided to transfer. He feels that it’s in his best interest and I support him.”
Moore was unavailable for comment and the TSD could not confirm where he will enroll this semester. However, transferring to another FBS school would require him to sit out the season. Meanwhile, White is expected to take the first snap when the Tigers welcome Mercer University to the Liberty Bowl on Sept. 1.
White is a graduate transfer from Arizona State with two years of eligibility remaining. He played three games in 2016 before a foot injury sidelined him for the remainder of that year and all of 2017.
White transferred to the University of Memphis during the spring semester. Norvell recruited White twice – once while Norvell was at Arizona State and again when White himself decided to transfer from Arizona State.
Though it wasn’t the resolution to the quarterback competition that Norvell expected, he and Moore’s now-former teammates respect his choice.
“There are a lot of people in these young men’s ears, telling them what they should do and what the right path should be,” Norvell said. “I’m always open to (helping) young men decide what to do, if they ask.”
“I think he made a personal decision on what is the best for his career,” said Bryce Huff. “I can’t do nothing but to respect that.”
Moore’s exit instantly resolved whatever questions were left about who would start, however. White had already become the favorite to win the job and has been taking more snaps with the starters.
“I have not only seen him get better on the field, but he has become more of a leader,” Huff said of White. “A lot of the guys did not click with him at first, but getting to know him and interact with him has shown us that he is a really good guy.”
And very competitive, said Tigers offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham.
“(White) is a coach’s son and a football junkie and one of the most competitive persons you will ever meet in your life,” Dillingham said.
(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)
