Devin Moore on first-career INT: Please to have produced play that ‘changed the game’ for Gators

Last Saturday marked a major individual milestone for Gators defensive back Devin Moore.

It might have taken three games, but it was Moore who recorded the first interception of the season for the Orange and Blue. It came early in the second quarter and led to another Florida touchdown as well, extending the lead at the time to 19-7.

And for the sophomore out of Naples, Florida, it marked his first-career takeaway in the secondary.

“So, yeah, it definitely was a big play, I’d say,” Moore said after the game. “I definitely got to give credit to the D-line, especially big Des. He kind of caused that play to happen. Just being a DB in general, when your D-line gets a lot of pressure, you don’t have to cover for so long, it definitely helps out a lot.

“I was just happy to be a part of a play that changed the game. I felt like they brought a lot of energy. A lot of guys on the sideline were celebrating, connecting. I feel like it was a big play in the game.”

When operating in a situation like that, your adrenaline is in the midst of a spike. That was especially the case for Moore, who had to wait patientily while the ball was hanging in the air.

However, the DB relied on his instincts and trusted the work he has put in since fall camp.

“Just try to take all of the ball drills we do in practice, all the work we do with our coaches. When you get it in your hands, wherever you got to go to help,” Moore said of what was going through his mind.

Once tucking the ball away, did Moore believe he was going to tack on six points himself?

“Yeah, that was the goal,” he replied. “I might need to spend some time with coach Juluke and the running backs and individual drills. That was definitely the goal.”

Napier: ‘That was a huge momentum play’

Billy Napier complemented the defense for the significant takeaway as well.

Given the atmosphere and stakes of the game, UF’s head man knew Moore’s takeaway was major from a momentum standpoint but also a potential game-changer.

And like Moore did when speaking with reporters, Napier was quick to point out the hit on the quarterback from defensive lineman Des Watson.

“The pick was huge, right? Just because we affected the quarterback. To hit the guy and the ball to go up and get it on the short field and then to cash it in…and you’re at home and that crowd gets behind you; there’s a ton of momentum there,” Napier said. “That was a huge momentum play in the game.”

Austin Armstrong and the Gators defense are hoping to produce more of those plays on Saturday, as the Charlotte 49ers are coming to town. Kickoff from the Swamp is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Stay tuned to Gators Online.

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