Impact for Oregon
Securing Dante Moore is a major coup for Dan Lanning and the Ducks. He committed late Friday to the program. A consensus top-three quarterback in the 2023 class, Moore’s commitment is the most significant to Oregon thus far. Lanning, the new head coach following a successful tenure as defensive coordinator at Georgia, has been on a roll. Oregon currently sits at number 17 in the 247 recruiting ranks, but their average 91.94 recruit rank ranks in the top 10.
Moore’s commitment elevates the entire offensive profile for the Ducks. In 2022, Bo Nix should be the starter and provide competent QB play. Nix has weapons on offense in sophomore Troy Franklin, Dont’e Thornton, and converted running back Seven McGee. This is one of the better receiver groups in the PAC-12 starting this year. Once Nix graduates, Moore is stepping in as a true freshman to start or at least contending for the gig.
Moore committing to Oregon creates a substantial windfall for the Ducks. Having a five-star QB commit has benefits for any program. First, players want to play with a highly ranked QB. Receiving talent has flocked to Texas in the wake of the Arch Manning commitment. Second, the QB serves as the primary recruiter for incoming talent. It’s generally understood that QBs organize the incoming class, and having one with Moore’s stature changes the game.
I don’t want to understate how good Moore is as a player. He’s one of the best QBs in his class and one of the best to come along in the last few years. His ball placement is excellent and his ability to diagnose coverage is excellent.
Nationwide Impact
Any team losing out on the Dante Moore commitment is, as the kids say, down bad. Every QB but two in the top 35 is committed to a team already. A Power 5 program losing out on Moore takes an immediate step back.
The clear loser here is Michigan. Moore is a Detroit kid who spurned Jim Harbaugh in favor of the Ducks. At one time, he was favored to the Wolverines, but as the process winnowed down, he elected Oregon. Michigan losing out on Moore means they are without a quarterback for the 2023 cycle.
Moore turning down the Wolverines is surprising as he grew up close to Ann Arbor, and despite being consistently projected there, he felt Oregon was better. This tells a handful of stories in my opinion. First, Oregon has that Phil Knight money, and it’s paying off already. Second, I think players are noticing the lack of development from Jim Harbaugh and the offensive staff. There has been little development from their skill position players given the conservative offense.
Additionally, Texas A&M was also in the mix for Dante Moore but like Michigan, missed out on the mega prospect. However, the Aggies did add five-star Conner Weigman in the 2022 class, but overall, Moore is a better QB in their respective high school careers. Weigman is the immediate future for Jimbo Fisher’s offense but striking out on Moore means, like the Wolverines, the Aggies are without a quarterback in the 2023 class. Ultimately, I felt the Aggies provided the best offensive opportunity for Moore moving forward. The 12th man money has been overwhelming and they secure the commitment of two five-star receivers in Evan Stewart and Chris Marshall.
