The News & Observer Completely Forgot How Awesome Herman Moore Was

After that, the paper went with former NC State stars Torry Holt and Jerricho Cotchery. UNC’s Hakeem Nicks came in at 5th.

Omitted from the Top 5? Former Virginia star Herman Moore, who back in 1989 and 1990 absolutely dominated the ACC like Cotchery or Nicks never did. Both of them were fine receivers in college and have continued a high level of play in the NFL. But Moore falling all the way to 9th – behind two other guys from the Tar Heel state – seems like something of a snub.

Moore, as a junior and senior, tallied 90 catches for 2,038 yards and 23 touchdowns. Along with QB Shawn Moore, the Cavaliers went 10-3 in 1989 and then opened 1990 at 7-0 and rose to No. 1 in the country – Herman Moore was briefly a Heisman contender before finishing 6th in the voting – before an injury to Shawn  Moore ruined the season and the Cavs’ ended 8-4. Shawn Moore ended up 4th in the Heisman race. Herman Moore was a 1st team All-American receiver (the only better WR in the country was Rocket Ismail) and was taken 10th in the draft.

It almost seems like the N&O favored Cotchery because of gaudy numbers in a pass-happy offense (86 catches as a senior; more receptions and yards than Herman Moore, but two fewer TDs), because nationally, Cotchery got little or no publicity. He was consistent, a school record-setter and an All-ACC pick before being taken in the 4th round by the Jets. He wasn’t the game-breaking star Herman Moore was.

I would have had no issues if the paper ranked Moore 3rd all-time in the ACC. I would have been cool with 4th, behind Holt. But 9th? Terrible.

*Note: My effusive praise for Moore and Virginia could be because when I was in middle school, the Cavaliers’ run in 1989 and 1990 were a big deal where I was living in Northern Virginia. It was only about a 90 minute ride to Charlottesville.