Nov. 16, 2008
New Haven, Conn. – Vanderbilt defensive back D.J. Moore earned National Defensive Player of the Week honors from the Walter Camp Football Foundation Sunday for his clutch performance in the Commodores’ 31-24 victory over Kentucky Saturday, sending the team to its first postseason bowl appearance in 26 years.
The versatile Moore, a junior from Spartanburg, S.C, provided a pair of key interceptions in the Commodore win, including the game clincher with 2:07 left that sealed Vanderbilt’s sixth win of the season. The Commodores reached bowl eligibility for the first time since 1982.
Moore also enjoys the rare distinction of likely earning consideration for the Camp Foundation’s National Offensive Player of the Week honor.. While seeing the most action at receiver in his career, Moore scored touchdowns on his first two career receptions, giving the normally slow-starting Commodores an early 14-0 margin.
“I can’t say enough about D.J., just a remarkable performance,” Vanderbilt Head Coach Bobby Johnson said. “He had such an impact for us in this win, making one big play after another. It was simply another remarkable effort from a guy that just has a knack for making big, big plays. This honor couldn’t have gone to a more deserving player.”
It also marks the second time Moore has captured National Defensive Player of the Week honors from the organization. Last year, Moore was recognized after nabbing two interceptions in Vanderbilt’s 17-6 road win at No. 6 ranked South Carolina.
Moore’s first interception came in the second quarter after Kentucky had narrowed the Commodore lead to 14-7. The pick gave Vanderbilt possession deep in Wildcat territory, with the Commodores pushing the margin to 21-7 three plays later when quarterback Chris Nickson hit tight end Brandon Barden on a 1-yard touchdown.
Moore’s final big defensive play came on Kentucky’s last threat to send the game into overtime. With the Wildcats deep in Vanderbilt territory, Moore stepped in front of a Kentucky receiver to pick off Randall Cobb’s fourth down pass.
Moore’s six interceptions this season give him a share of the national lead with seven others. He has 13 interceptions, tops among active players in the SEC and tied for second all-time among Commodores behind a 15-interception total by former Vanderbilt All-American Leonard Coleman.
