University High’s Dylan Moses isn’t an average eighth grade student. He has become a myth of sorts to many LSU fans; he’s the young man everyone has heard of, but only few have seen perform. And when his name was plastered on ESPN’s website, awestruck LSU fans read intently. The eighth grader was offered a football scholarship from LSU, a powerhouse program and perennial contender. “Honestly, I was floored,” said Dylan’s father, Edward Moses. “I was literally fluxed. I wasn’t expecting [LSU to offer Dylan a scholarship]. I know what he can do.  But when they offered it to him, I just couldn’t believe it.” Moses’ path to LSU recruitment began when he was seven years old. Edward Moses was a former middle linebacker for Northwestern State in Natchitoches, where he recorded 433 tackles in four years as a starter. Dylan’s father was voted one of the Top 100 players of the century at Northwestern State and played professionally in Europe after college. Dylan had a solid mentor looking after his development.   “I taught Dylan the fundamental game of football from a middle linebacker perspective,” Edward said. “I really believed when we started, barring injury, that he would be a blue chip linebacker by his senior year in high school.” Edward estimated his son gained about 15 pounds a year since he was seven. Now standing at 6 feet, 205 pounds, Dylan has the appearance of a future SEC athlete. His physical prowess helped him garner attention at several of LSU’s annual football camps, where his performance blew away the athletic administration. Dylan ran a 4.58-second 40-yard dash at the June football camp. His vertical jump topped out at 33 inches. He was a can’t-miss prospect, and the Tigers didn’t wait long to speak with the young man and his family. The Tigers came under criticism from several sports networks after the news broke that they had offered an eighth grader a scholarship. ESPN sports journalist Stephen A. Smith blasted the administration for its actions. “I think it’s disgusting,” Smith said on ESPN’s First Take on July 26. “It’s disgraceful. It goes to show how out-of-control programs are in terms of their focus on things they don’t need to be focused on.” Dylan’s father wanted to clarify the facts of the negotiations. “Well, let’s set the record straight,” Edward said. “LSU’s staff did not recruit Dylan Moses. I … took him to their annual Youth and high school football camps, just as I have done for the past four years.” Edward noted that Dylan exceeded expectations at the high school camp, and LSU offered him a scholarship to play football in 2017, provided that Dylan meets the NCAA’s requirements. His large frame has many wondering what position he’ll end up playing before he reaches Tiger Stadium. Dylan wants to play multiple roles while he remains at U-High. “My coaches are working me out at running back and backup quarterback for now,” Dylan said. “I think they will play me at middle linebacker on defense, but I hope they will let me play safety, too.” Some may wonder if the publicity will be too much for the young prospect as he progresses through high school. While Dylan thought the media attention was “cool” and “a great experience,” both his parents are making sure their son stays focused on his education. “Initially, the media attention was exhilarating for everyone in our family,” Edward said. “The sudden burst of attention then forced me and his mom to address the issue more seriously as his parents. We recently declined an interview with CNN because Dylan is back in school, and we don’t want any of this attention to become a distraction to him.” Dylan is currently training for his upcoming eighth grade season as a U-High cub. But for now, Dylan has one message for LSU football fans.  “I am the type of person that strives to be the best that I can be day-in and day-out,” he said. “With God’s help, I will work to make sure that my grades are excellent, and I will work to help my high school win a state football title. I want to thank all of you for your support.”
 
—- Contact Lawrence Barreca at [email protected].