Boise's Moore 'excited' to join Lions

By Frank Cooney
NFLDraftScout.com

Record-breaking Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore was disappointed but not surprised when he was not selected in the 2012 NFL Draft, but he is ready to move on with the Detroit Lions.

"I'm excited, I'm getting my chance in the NFL and that is all that matters," Moore told NFLDraftScout.com after his agent, David Dunn, reached an agreement with the Lions.

The Lions have Matthew Stafford as a starter and Shaun Hill as the backup, but there are a lot of college fans who wouldn't be surprised if Moore manages to make the team, too.

And despite not being among the 253 players drafted, Moore received plenty of attention from the NFL as soon as the draft ended.

"We had a lot of contact, a lot of teams, I really don't even know how many teams, but a lot," Moore said. "I like our decision. I am eager to get back there."

Moore collected amazing statistics at Boise State, including a 50-3 record as a starter. He was known as a playbook nerd since early childhood and admits he began studying Boise State's offense when he was only 11. He also admits he began studying NFL playbooks that others have offered to get whatever advantage he could heading into the next level.

"Yes, I have seen a few playbooks," he said, without being specific about how he obtained them. He did not deny stories that his family found some of them on the internet.

"You do what you can to learn as much as you can," he said.

And, at 6-0, 196 pounds, this left-hander with below average arm strength needs every advantage he can find. Scouts have long been amazed at his grasp of the game, which shouldn't be that surprising considering he was studying playbooks when he was 11. But his ability to read defenses, anticipate where to throw and pin-point accuracy made him one of the most prolific quarterbacks in college history.

In his career, Moore completed 1,157 of 1,658 passes (.6978 pct completions) for 14,667 yards, 142 touchdowns and only 28 interceptions. His pass efficiency rating of 168.98 ranks third in NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision history.