After His TD Catch, Moore Ready to do More for the Huskies

Sixteen University of Washington football players have 64 scored touchdowns this season, and Quentin Moore is responsible for the last one.

It turned out to be the first one in his career, ended up beating Oregon in the Pac-12 championship game and maybe just maybe, turns Moore into the multi-purpose tight end for which the Huskies have deployed for decades.

With 2:44 left to play in Las Vegas, the 6-foot-4, 255-pound Moore, typically a blocker and not much more, had his number called. He delayed coming off the line and then caught a 2-yard scoring pass uncontested from Michael Penix Jr. that gave the UW the deciding points in a 34-31 victory. 

"That meant the world to me," Moore said. "As soon as I caught the ball, I made sure I scored the ball. I was like OK, all that hard work, the juco stuff, finally paid off."

Texas no doubt will see him on the game video and note his contribution, but Moore isn't interested in being a secret weapon anymore.

In his third UW season, the Kenmore, Washington, product and one-time Kansas junior-college transfer is ready to show everyone he's a full-service tight end, not a one-trick pony. 

He has 7 career catches for 71 yards and that lone TD as he prepares for Texas in the Sugar Bowl, CFP semifinals and into his last season of eligibility in 2024.

"I'm excited to come back," he said. "Basically, my mindset going into next year will be just to come in and show what I haven't been able to show yet just because there's been older guys in front of me, and they're definitely good at what they do."

The TD pass to Moore was put in during the week of the Pac-12 title game, with the tight end overeager for the Huskies to use him.

"I told Q, 'Take a deep breath, catch the ball and I can't wait to celebrate with you,' " fellow UW tight end Jack Westover said.

"I know how excited he was," Penix said. "You should have seen him in practice when were installing it or whatever. He couldn't stop smiling — because he knew he was going to get a touchdown on that play."

With seniors Devin Culp and Westover coming to the end of their college eligibility and eyeing NFL careers, Moore, sophomore Josh Cuevas and redshirt freshman Ryan Otton all will be asked to replace their production, along with Fresno State transfer Tre Watson.

Moore patiently has waited his turn after playing in two games during an injury-filled 2021 season, starting in two of 11 games in 2022 and appearing in all 13 outings as a reserve this season. 

"I would have hoped I played sooner and played more sooner, but I can't complain," Moore said. "I come out here and do what they tell me to do."

In that case, he'll probably hear his coaches strongly urge him to continue to block effectively and to score more touchdowns.