Oregon QB battle: Dante Moore reflects on competition for starting job

Oregon has yet to decide on a starting quarterback and the longer the competition drags out, the higher the likelihood of a surprise. Because for all intents and purposes, most have expected Dante Moore to come out with the job.

He’s still battling. And the redshirt sophomore can lean on experience at this point as one of his biggest weapons.

“Yeah, it’s crazy. I was talking to Akili (Smith) coming up, I’m like next time you look up you’re going to be going into your third fall camp, and it’s kind of my third fall camp right now,” Moore said. “It’s just crazy how times flies, you know?”

Dante Moore, naturally, will be hoping he’s the guy Dan Lanning turns to as the season approaches. But it’s not a sure thing.

“It’s been a great journey, of course. This camp, of course, has been my best camp,” Moore said. “Spring ball here, of course, this year was great as well. I’m really close with the team, but this fall camp, especially during the hot days when we’re all pushing with each other, I understand that we have to connect with each other really well. It’s of course been really good. “

Competing primarily with Austin Novosad for the job, Dante Moore feels good about what he’s shown so far in camp. Is it enough to win the starting job?

That remains to be seen. ESPN insider Pete Thamel recently suggested that Dante Moore winning the job isn’t the “hammer lock” many expect.

Still, he feels good about where things are at. It’d hardly be a surprise to see him trot out there as the guy on Day 1.

“Been playing pretty well,” Dante Moore said. “But probably the best thing for me is being a leader, communicating with the team really well. Of course plays are going to be played and we’re going to make our plays regardless, but I feel like my communication’s been well with the team and it’s been great, so excited.”