2008 Woodie Awards
Moore's the man
Mary Albl and Kirk Bell
Sports Editor/Sports Coordinator
Issue date: 8/25/08 Section: Sports
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It was announced Aug. 20, that freshman Kellen Moore would be the new starting quarterback for the Broncos.
“We’re really excited today to announce Kellen as our starting quarterback,” head coach Chris Petersen said in a press conference last Wednesday. “These guys [Moore and senior Bush Hamdan] made it hard on us, deciding on who the starting quarterback was going to be. That’s a good problem to have.”
Moore, who redshirted last season, came to Boise State after having a stellar high school career at Prosser High School in Prosser, Wash.
“We will play whoever we can win with right now,” Petersen said. “This thing came down to a gut feeling to tell you the truth.”
Moore has been in the shadow of football since he was very young. He played quarter-back under his high school head coach and father, Tom Moore.
“I think since I was really little I’ve always been around football,” Moore said. “I have been at high school practices with my dad. Since I have got here I have prided myself as being as prepared as I possibly can and be ready for whatever situation comes to me.”
Moore is the first freshman starting quarterback for Boise State since Bart Hendricks in 1997 against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.
“I am very thankful that the coaches have confidence in me and feel that I am ready to take over and follow the long tradition of quarterbacks at this school,” Moore said.
Moore attributes the routines of prior quarterbacks, specifically 2007 senior quarterback Taylor Tharpe.
“He’s got a little bit of Brett Favre in him where he’s trying to fire something and you’re like ‘Whoa. Where did that come from?’” Petersen said. “Brett Favre will get those in there and [Moore] will too.”
Petersen feels that Moore is “every bit as good” as the previous starting quarterbacks that have dominated the difficult venue that is Bronco Stadium.
“If something is wrong on the script at practice and he gets call up [Moore] will just look at you. When he gives you that look, you know something’s up. And sure enough it is usually wrong. He will be on top of it.”
The news of a new starting quarterback leaves the long time Bronco quarterback prospect, Hamdan, in his final season on the sidelines, but Petersen was quick to say that Hamdan will be an asset this season.
“We will need Bush to win without question,” Petersen said. “… He is definitely our backup.”
The position of leadership is something that Hamdan brings to the Broncos that might be a step apart from Moore. Might. The Boise State football program has had to rely on backup quarterbacks who could perform within the complex offensive scheme that has become so familiar.
“You need to have a couple guys that make you feel good about that position,” Petersen said. “I don’t know how, why, when. We’ll need Bush this season.”
Moore will get his first start against the Idaho State University Bengals at Bronco Stadium Aug. 30 at 6 p.m.
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