Montana State standout Conner Moore ascending as arguably the top offensive lineman in the FCS

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ryan Roberts | Last updated Sep 27, 2024 4:00 PM ET

If you have watched a Montana State football game over the last couple of years, you are probably used to an outstanding running attack and powerful offensive line. In most instances, the Bobcats have been a cohesive attack that is more about the sum of all parts, and not about individual dominance. We might be seeing the most talented offensive lineman that Montana State has had in a very long time with redshirt sophomore Conner Moore.

After starting at left tackle for Montana State in 2023, his first season of full action, Moore has been playing both left guard and left tackle this season so far. He was a Freshman All-American during that first campaign, and should be up for even larger honors this season. Moore has been tremendous through four games.

When you take a look at the recruiting background, it’s pretty bizarre to see how someone like Moore could have fallen through the cracks coming out of Millbury (Ohio) Lake. He ended up selecting Montana State over other scholarship offers from Eastern Michigan, Navy, South Dakota State, Grand Valley State, Northwood, */*and Findlay. Those were the only offers that were reposted.

After redshirting in 2022, Moore hit the ground running, and you immediately saw the talent. He was clearly a younger player but the upside was immense. While Moore was good in 2023, he has been a completely different player so far this fall.

The power that he possesses at 6-5 and 310 pounds is eye popping. Perhaps the most impressive part of his game, however, is his lateral mobility. Moore can really gain ground in a hurry once pulling, reaching, or working to space. He is a really, really impressive athlete.

It won’t be long until Montana State OL Conner Moore (#72) is considered the top lineman on the FCS level. The Bobcats have a future NFLer in the 6-5, 310-pounder. pic.twitter.com/oKINPF7dyu
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) September 27, 2024

From an NFL Draft perspective, we most likely won’t be talking about Moore until the 2027 NFL Draft class, but the excitement is still building very quickly. For now, he has a clear ascension to being the best offensive lineman on the FCS level rather quickly. In fact, it wouldn’t be overly shocking if he accomplished that this season.

The next step will be for Montana State to keep him. There is little doubt that there are more than a handful of FBS schools that could use an offensive lineman like Conner Moore, and would pay handsomely to acquire him. The demand will certainly be out there.

There’s no guessing the future, but FBS programs keeping talent has become a very difficult task with the transfer portal and NIL landscape what it is right now. We have seen instances of players remaining with their program, such as Tucker Kraft (South Dakota State), Mark Gronowski (South Dakota State), and David Walker (Central Arkansas) among several others.

Whatever that future does hold, Moore is certainly a player to know, both as a college football fan and NFL Draft follower. He has already had an outstanding ascension as a player, which is sure to continue.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: