Few things hold more importance in J.D. Moore’s life than football and architecture.
Architecture had always been an interest for Moore as a kid, but he never thought he could make a career out of it. He never expected his interest to last that long.
As the time came to pick a college and a major, he explored different areas like business or engineering, but still nothing sparked his interest quite like architecture did.
The problem then became, who would let him take on such a rigorous and time consuming major on top of being a student-athlete.
“As I was looking at universities, LSU was one of the only schools that would let me do both architecture and football,” Moore said. “So I was able to get into the architecture program and the more I was involved in it, the more I really enjoyed it. It kind of started as an interest as a young kid and it happened to be the passion that I’ve chosen to follow.”
Architecture, LSU’s only five-year undergraduate program, is likely one of the most time consuming as well. Because of the hands-on nature of architecture, Moore’s school work involves a lot more than studying and memorization.
Moore has spent many late nights and early mornings perfecting models and diagrams.
“Things normally take more time than you think,” Moore said. “I’d be like, ‘Oh yeah I can finish that in 30 minutes and then it ends up taking two and a half hours, so you really have to plan.
Although Moore has become a pro at balancing his school work with his football schedule, it wasn’t always that easy.
He has learned some serious time management skills since his freshman year. He quickly realized that he had to structure his social life and down time to make time for studying and football.
“You make time for the things that are important to you,” Moore said. “For me, football and architecture are important, so I choose to make time. My mindset isn’t that if I stumble upon time to study I will. You have to make that time to study.”
Moore is constantly going 100 miles per hour, with workouts and practice and school work, so he has to step back and tell himself to take a break.
He, like many collegiate athletes, often has to sacrifice things that “normal” college students would do. His weekends are busy enough during the season, but weekdays are just as tough. There’s not a lot of time to watch Netflix or hangout with friends when a night in the architecture studio awaits him.
With a 4.0 GPA, and only one B in his time at LSU, Moore has easily balanced the pace of LSU’s football and architecture programs. His 4.0 is the highest GPA on the football team and the tenth highest in the entire LSU athletic department.
“He’s going to be the CEO of a company one day — running it,” LSU coach Ed Orgeron said. “Tremendous character, tremendous leader. I’m so happy for him.”
Moore attributes his dedication to architecture to the principles he has learned as he grew from being a scout team walk-on to an undeniable leader on LSU’s football team.
“The discipline you learn in football sets you up for success in this field because you learn to discipline yourself, you learn to manage your time well,” Moore said. “You learn to do hard things, to be uncomfortable and to be OK with it.”
Moore’s success and dedication on and off the field made it a no-brainer when he was named one of two players to wear the No. 18 this season. The No. 18 jersey symbolizes a player being a team leader and a selfless player.
Moore shares LSU’s signature jersey with senior defensive end Christian LaCouture. They became the first pair to share the number since the tradition started in 2003 with quarterback Matt Mauck leading LSU to its first national championships since 1958.
Moore has primarily been used as a blocker in LSU’s offensive plan, paving the way for the likes of former running back Leonard Fournette and junior Derrius Guice. In LSU’s 40-24 win over Ole Miss, he finally scored his first career touchdown on a shovel pass from quarterback Danny Etling.
“It was a little surreal,” Moore said. “I wasn’t really expecting it. I just made the right move, saw the opportunity was right there, and went for it and dove in.”
The former walk-on has pushed relentlessly in everything he does throughout his career at LSU. Even though these five years have been difficult, he was always motivated to continuously be better.
“I don’t think I could’ve imagined I would have the success I have in either architecture or football,” Moore said. “It’s very tough but very rewarding at the same time. I’m just extremely grateful for LSU to give me the opportunity to come here and do both. [This degree] is very valuable to me.”
