Central’s Dakota Fawver (2) runs the ball against Catholic Friday, Nov. 23, 2018 at Catholic, while defensive lineman Stiles Moore (7) looks on in pursuit.
Stiles Moore has a new high school home and, as of Tuesday, reserved himself a spot on an FBS football roster for the 2020 season.
Moore, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound defensive lineman, committed Tuesday on Twitter to play for Western Michigan.
Should he hold true to his commitment and ultimately sign with the Broncos, he’ll be the second former Knoxville Catholic player to join the WMU program. Ex-Irish star receiver DaShon Bussell was a freshman for the Broncos in 2018.
Moore played three seasons at Catholic (2016-18) but is now currently enrolled at Farragut. He led the Irish with eight sacks this past season, also registering 67 tackles and 11 tackles for loss.
Moore even showed ability as a tight end late in the season and finished with three touchdown catches. But at Western Michigan, Moore said, he will start out at defensive end or outside linebacker.
He made visits to WMU on February 23 and March 18. The first visit, dad came along. The second time, mom approved.
And Moore made his pledge.
“Honestly, my first experience at WMU was impeccable with my dad,” he said. “The whole staff showed me and my family love like no other. Then, second trip up there, my mom and sister finally got to go up there and see for themselves. The facilities and dorms and everything are perfect.
“It felt like a home away from home.”
Duke, Tulane, Central Michigan and Kent State offered Moore, but none gave him the feeling of home like Western Michigan.
Moore is seeking eligibility at Farragut for the 2019 season. In the meantime, he’s preparing for the next level, working on his physique to get it college-ready.
Improving the football I.Q. is on the docket, too.
“I want to understand the game,” he said, “as how to be one of the greatest and leave my legacy and hold accountability for not only myself, but my future teammates.”