NSU’s Moore goes to ‘Skins

The Washington Redskins selected former Colonels defensive standout Kareem Moore in the sixth round (180th overall pick) of the NFL Draft on Sunday.

“I’ve been a Redskins fan forever,” said Moore. “I said the perfect place for me to go to is the Redskins, and then it happened. It was one of my dreams coming true. I feel like I was blessed.”

It is the second consecutive year Nicholls has had a player taken in the draft. In 2007, the New York Jets selected offensive lineman Jacob Bender in the sixth round (177th overall pick). Moore is the first defensive back from Nicholls to be taken in the NFL Draft since the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Chris Thompson in the fifth round (110th overall pick) in 2004.

One minute after the Seattle Seahawks called to say he was being considered, Redskins executive vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato called and told Moore he was selected.

Later Moore spoke with Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Blanche, who declared what was in store for the rookie. “Basically he told me to pay my dues and make sure I come to work everyday,” said Moore. “I’m a special teams person. When you come into the league, most of the experience you’re going to get is on special teams. I’m OK with that.”

Moore was named 2007 SLC Defensive Player of the Year and was selected to the All-SLC First Team as a safety. He was also named an AP All-American and a LSWA Second Team selection. Moore was also the 2006 SLC Newcomer of the Year.

Moore came to Nicholls by way of Itawamba CC. Before there, he was at Ole Miss where he started five games as a redshirt freshman.

The Okolona, Miss., native led the team in tackles for the second straight season with 73 in 2007 to go along with four interceptions with two being returned for touchdowns. The two interception returns for touchdowns came in the first quarter against Northwestern State en route to a 58-0 victory over the Colonels’ in-state and conference rival.

Last season, the Redskins overcame the tragic murder of All-Pro safety Sean Taylor to make the playoffs. Moore may one day be asked to fill his spot in the defensive backfield.

“I think it will be a little weird, but it’s just something I will get used to,” he said “I’ve been through so much, that I don’t think it will be any worse than what I’ve been through in my 23 years.”