March 20, 2009 The Tennessean

Ex-Commodores work on impressing NFL scouts
Pro Day is today for Vandy, TSU
By Gary Estwick

Cornerback D.J. Moore can increase his likelihood of becoming a first-round draft pick with a solid performance today during Vanderbilt's pro day, when former Commodores will participate in drills in front of representatives from multiple NFL teams.

"I want to show that I can run a little faster and a little crisper," said Moore, who reportedly ran the 40-yard dash between 4.54 and 4.58 seconds at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis last month.

About 10 Vanderbilt players from last season or recent seasons are expected to participate. Immediately afterward, Tennessee State will hold its pro day, and running back Javarris Williams and offensive lineman Cornelius Lewis — who both went to the combine — are among those scheduled to participate.

The NFL Draft is April 25-26.

Moore is coming off a junior season in which he led Vanderbilt with six interceptions. He also compiled 58 tackles and averaged 19.4 yards on kickoff returns and 14.4 yards on punt returns.

Vanderbilt also used him as a receiver, where he caught seven passes for 143 yards. His Nov. 15 performance against Kentucky included two interceptions and two touchdown catches.

John Sisk, strength and conditioning coach at Vanderbilt, said although Moore is not the fastest cornerback, he is one of the quickest he has ever worked with, as in rate of speed off the line from a standing start.

One of the knocks against Moore — and there aren't many — is his size. He is listed at 5-foot-9.

"I played in the SEC," Moore said. "Look at the receivers that I played against. It's not like the quarterback is going to try and throw jump balls every time. Whoever judges the ball better is going to be a player."

Sisk said Moore has a vertical jump of 39½ inches, which was one of the best measures among defensive backs at the combine. Moore's hand-eye coordination and footing is excellent, Sisk said.