Most Impactful Rebels for 2019: No. 4 Elijah Moore
OXFORD, Miss. — As we count down the days until the Ole Miss season opener against Memphis in the Liberty Bowl, we are releasing who we think the Top 50 Most Impactful Players will be for the Rebels this season. This series is a way for Ole Miss fans to learn more about players to keep an eye on this fall.
With 4 days before kickoff, coming in at No. 4…
Elijah Moore
Elijah Moore was a four-star wide receiver, according to ESPN and Rivals, when he signed with Ole Miss in the Class of 2018. As a senior at St. Thomas Aquinas, the 5-foot-9, 184-pound Moore helped the team to a 12-3 record with 407 receiving yards and five touchdowns. He also competed in the 2017 Opening Finals and the 2018 Under Armor All-America Game.
As a true freshman at Ole Miss, the Fort Lauderdale, Florida native appeared in every game, including four starts, in the slot. He finished third on the team in receptions with 36 catches for 398 yards and two touchdowns.
Elijah Moore Ole Miss tFR with a long TD. #devy pic.twitter.com/dTQie8Hx8A
— Greg Brandt (@devywarehouse) September 8, 2018
Coach Peeler spoke with The Rebel Walk earlier this month about the impact he expects Moore to have on this football team this fall. “I hope a lot,” Peeler said. “He’s got a different mindset. I have to joke with him that it’s okay to smile. He’s all business,” Peeler continued.
“He’s got the mindset that he wants to be great. He puts in that kind of work ethic away from the field that he’s required to be there. He just truly loves football, and he’s got that mindset that he’s going to do whatever it takes to get the job done and be great at it.”
Coach Jacob Peeler on Elijah Moore
After DK Metcalf was injured last season, Moore’s role on the offense increased even more. “In his first game (career start), I think he caught 11 catches for 129 yards,” said Peeler, “so the moment is not too big for him.”
Elijah Moore (Photo: Josh McCoy, Ole Miss)
After the completion of fall camp, Moore has been named the starter in the slot with Tylan Knight listed as the backup. Last week, Knight credited his teammate with really showing him the ropes at slot in the wide receiver room after Knight transitioned from running back during the offseason.
“He (Moore) really helped me a whole lot with my routes and stuff like that, just giving me pointers,” said Knight. “Like I said, I’ve never been a full-time wide out. It was always him. I’m just learning and soaking up as much as I can from all of those guys.”
There could also be some formations where both slot receivers are on the field at the same time. Knight responded with a big smile on his face when asked about that formation last week. “It’s very dangerous,” he grinned. “I’ve been saying this since day one. It will be very dangerous on the opposing team.”
These 10 personnel looks with Tylan Knight and Elijah Moore on the field together presents so many options. #OleMiss pic.twitter.com/J0eobq3Szp
— Nathanael Gabler (@nategabler) August 7, 2019
Look for Moore to get the ball early and often against Memphis. Offensive coordinator Rich Rodriguez will likely want to give redshirt freshman quarterback Matt Corral some quick, short throws early in the game to help build up Corral’s confidence in a critical road game in Week One.
It wouldn’t shock us if Moore ended up leading the team in receptions and receiving yards once the season is all said and done.
As for Coach Peeler, he has the utmost confidence in his young receiver.
“I think he actually kind of rises to the moment.”
Coach Peeler on Moore
Look for No. 8 on the gridiron this fall!
Hotty Toddy!
Most Impactful Rebels for 2019
4. Elijah Moore
5. Benito Jones
6. Jaylon Jones
7. Alex Givens
8. Josiah Coatney
9. Ben Brown
10. Lakia Henry
11. Sam Williams
12. Qaadir Sheppard
13. Jacquez Jones
14. Miles Battle
15. Jerrion Ealy
16. Braylon Sanders
17. Eli Johnson
18. Myles Hartsfield
19. Dontario Drummond
20. Jon Haynes
21. Montrell Custis
22. Demarcus Gregory
23. Bryce Mathews
24. Royce Newman
25. Tylan Knight
26. Tariqious Tisdale
27. Octavious Cooley
28. Jalen Julius
29. Luke Logan
30. Nick Broeker
31. Austrian Robinson
32. Quentin Bivens
33. Willie Hibbler
34. Isaiah Woullard
35. Jadon Jackson
36. Grant Tisdale, Kinkead Dent, John Rhys Plumlee
37. Keidron Smith
38. Snoop Conner
39. Michael Howard
40. Vernon Dasher
41. Ryder Anderson
42. D’Vaughn Pennamon
43. C.J. Miller
44. Charles Wiley
45. Sincere David
46. Mac Brown
47. Jason Pellerin
48. Chandler Tuitt
49. Dannis Jackson
50. Jonathan Mingo
Derrell Hart
Derrell has covered Ole Miss athletics in the past for Rebels247 at 247Sports. He attended Delta State University where he graduated with a B.S. in Biology. He is currently pursuing his Pharm.D. at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy with an expected graduation of May, 2020.
