Trinity standout lands first offer from UK

Rondale Moore and his family have had an interest in Louisville for years now, but it was Kentucky's staff that gave him his first offer.

He spoke with Cats Illustrated about the development this week.

Until this year Moore was a high school student-athlete at New Albany, Ind., but he has since transferred to Trinity in Louisville, where he will finish out the remaining two years of his prep experience.

The 5-foot-9, 175-pound player is listed as a running back on his Rivals.com player profile, but this week he worked out in Lexington as a wide receiver, taking reps both on the outside and inside as a slot.

"I went to the camp on Sunday," Moore recalled. "That was the first time they had seen me. What definitely pushed me in front of everybody was just competing ... being in the front of every rep, getting back in the front just to get recognized. In one-on-ones I did pretty good. My forty was pretty good but I've definitely got to get that down."

Whatever improvement Moore believes he needs to show, Kentucky's coaches were obviously impressed. They offered, and it was his first offer as a recruit.

Moore worked extensively with wide receivers coach Lamar Thomas at the event.

"I really like him," Moore said. "I think he's pretty cool. He's a pretty cool guy and really energetic. His motor sure gets everybody ready. He sure had me ready.

"I talked to the head coach (Mark Stoops) after the camp. He offered me a scholarship. He said he just liked my competitiveness."

Moore is trying to keep everything in perspective following the offer.

"I guess it's just good to get the first offer, just to let you know your hard work is paying off," he said.

The Class of 2018 prospect admitted that he and his family have liked Louisville over the years.

"That's a program we've enjoyed watching," he said.

Now Moore is planning to camp at Louisville on Sunday.

Kentucky will have to contend with that reality, but they've already caught Moore's attention with the offer. The new facility is always a big item the coaches showcase to recruits.

"It's really nice," he said. "I would really love to go up there when it's finished."

Last year New Albany finished 4-6 but Moore, as only a sophomore, was first team all-area and honorable mention all-state. He said the transition to Trinity has been good and exciting, noting that the playbook is more complex than what he's been used to in the past.