| Derek Moye |
|
|
In his first collegiate road game, Derek Moye exhibited some of the skills the Nittany Lions will need this season and beyond with the departure of a trio of senior standouts from the wide receiver unit. Moye caught a simple out-route from Paul Cianciolo at Syracuse, but as he turned and evaded the defender, he saw open field ahead. He ignited his state champion sprinter's speed and delivered a 33-yard catch and run for his first Penn State touchdown. A four-sport standout at Rochester HS, Moye won the 200 (:22.15) and 400-meter (:48.04) Class AA state titles at the 2007 Pennsylvania state track and field championships. He is a multi-talented and swift athlete with good hands, who joins Brett Brackett and A.J. Price as tall wideouts that could be match-up problems for opposing secondaries. Moye was atop the depth chart at one of the wideout spots following a strong spring practice session. With continued hard work and progress, he has the size, speed and athleticism to emerge as a significant contributor the next three seasons. A cousin, Rocky Washington, played for the Nittany Lions earlier this decade. Moye is one of 10 returning Lions from western Pennsylvania.
2008 Sophomore Season
Moye saw action in 12 games, making three catches for 71 yards and one touchdown. His 23.7-yard average led the squad. Moye's first collegiate touchdown came on a 33-yard catch and run at Syracuse, on a ball thrown by Paul Cianciolo. He also made a 27-yard catch against Coastal Carolina and an 11-yard grab against Indiana. Moye saw action on 92 plays, topped by 23 against Coastal Carolina and 20 against the Orange.
2007 Freshman Season
Redshirt season.
High School
A three-time first-team all-state selection at Rochester HS, Moye was a prolific runner and receiver for Coach Gene Matsook. The 2005 Western Pennsylvania district Class A Player-of-the-Year, Moye helped Rochester to the 2004 state championship game, was a Big 33 Classic selection and two-time conference MVP. During his senior season, he ran for 1,205 yards on 158 carries and scored 20 touchdowns and caught 16 passes for 430 yards and five scores. He also had three touchdowns on returns and grabbed three interceptions, while making 64 tackles, as a senior. As a junior, he had 24 receptions for 536 yards and nine scores. Moye was the 200 (:22.15) and 400-meter (:48.04) Class AA state champion at the 2007 Pennsylvania track and field championships. He also earned first-team all-section honors in basketball and baseball.
Personal
Full name is Derek Robert Moye. He is the son of Jeramie and Diane Moye. He has an older brother, Jermaine, who played football at West Virginia and California (Pa.), earning PSAC West first-team honors in 2007. A cousin, Rocky Washington, played football for the Nittany Lions earlier this decade. Moye enjoys playing video games. He is enrolled in the parks, recreation and tourism management program. Born August 12, 1988 in Rochester, Pa.
