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PrintCOLUMBIA – Missouri's Gilbert Moye says he's happy following his move from safety to running back. Such a big change might require a serious adjustment for a lot of players, but this isn't new for Moye.
"Smooth transition, man," the sophomore said.
Moye, a quarterback in high school, was placed at safety before the 2007 season. However, since Missouri already had spots filled in the secondary, Moye sat out. His redshirt saved, he remained at that position until early this summer.
"Beginning of the summer workouts, we was in the weight room," Moye recalled. "(Running backs) Coach (Brian) Jones came down and he had a big smile on his face and he asked me. And I was all for it, so we made the switch.
"I'm a team player," he said. "There was maybe like two scholarship guys at running back. They came to me and they asked me if I was willing to switch and I was like, 'Yeah I'm going to do anything to help the team.'"
Moye said he's excited to be a running back.
"It's a more comfortable position for me," he said. "I get to touch the rock a lot. It's not like quarterback but it's close. Anywhere on offense, if you put me there, I'm going to make the best of my opportunity."
Derrick Washington, slated to be the starter at running back when Missouri faces Illinois in St. Louis next week, said Moye has the skills to improve depth at the position.
"He's going to be real good," Washington said. "He's learning the system right now, which he was in spring. He's new to the position, but I think he loves the offensive side of the ball. I think he wanted to be on the offensive side of the ball once he first got here."
Moye gives the running back unit a greater variety of skills, Washington said.
"We all bring something different to the table, I think that's what it is," he said. "We all complement each other on the field. De'Vion (Moore) and Kendial (Lawrence) ... are the quick guys. Me and Gilbert Moye are the big guys, strong guys, we make things happen. I can't wait to see what we're going to do with this offense."
Moye said he is already good friends with the other backs.
"We all came in at the same time, so we're like brothers. We're real close," he said. "I'm just learning from them. They're coaching me up. I'm just watching them and what they're doing, and it's starting to feed off on me and I'm just taking their advice."
Washington said he isn't surprised by Moye's offensive skills.
"Everybody's seen Gilbert's highlight tape from high school," Washington said with a smile. "He made a lot of plays there, and it was crazy plays he was making. So once he gets the opportunity to have the ball in his hands, I think he's going to do something."
Moye said his willingness to play new positions both times has come from a desire to make the Missouri football team better.
"I've just got a big heart. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to help the team," he said. "I'm willing to play anywhere. Wherever they put me ... I'm giving it my all."
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