WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Calling the decision “bittersweet”, Purdue receiver Rondale Moore had decided to opt out of the 2020 college football season and prepare for the NFL draft.
The dynamic Moore, who played in just 17 games for the Boilermakers, made his announcement on social media. He follows the recent trend of college football players electing to bypass the upcoming season because of concerns over the coronavirus. Moore is the fifth Big Ten player to announce they’re not playing this season.
Purdue is scheduled to start training camp Friday.
“Given the unprecedented circumstances we are currently living in, the best choice for my family and I is to opt out of the upcoming season and prepare for the NFL Draft,” Moore wrote. “This is a bittersweet decision because I always assumed I more great moments at Ross-Ade Stadium ahead of me and I will greatly miss the entire community. Please accept my heartfelt gratitude.”
In Moore’s case, his Purdue career is over. Minnesota receiver Rashod Bateman and Penn State linebacker Micah Parson announced similar decisions within the last week to move to the next phase of their careers.
Last year, Moore’s season was cut short after suffering a hamstring injury in the fourth game against Minnesota. He did not return to the field. On the same play, quarterback Elijah Sindelar suffered a broken clavicle and didn’t return the rest of the season.
During his first season, Moore was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year after catching 114 passes for 1,258 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Boilermakers were determined to create big plays on special teams with Moore returning kickoffs and punts, but his injury thwarted those plans. Purdue had the same ideas heading into the 2020 season.
Moore came to Purdue when Jeff Brohm was named the head coach. Brohm, like Moore a graduate of Trinity High School in Louisville, was able to convince Moore he could thrive in the Boilermakers’ offense. Moore was committed to Texas but later signed with Purdue.
“We want to thank Rondale for his contributions to Purdue Football and the many memorable moments he gave Boilermaker fans during his time here,” Brohm said in a statement released by the school. “From the moment he first took the field, he electrified Ross-Ade Stadium and college football with his record-breaking performances and unique ability.
“He always represented our program with class and dignity, and we fully support him and his family as he pursues his professional future. Rondale is a special player and person, and we know he will be a star at the next level and beyond.”
Most NFL mock drafts have Moore going in the first round of next spring.
Brohm also said Moore is “currently at 1,000%” when it came to his recovery after the hamstring injury. Moore did participate in spring practice but was limited.
“He looks great like he always has,” Brohm said Wednesday. “He’s feeling good. He’s worked extremely hard in the offseason. He’s on a mission. That’s the way he’s always been. We have to keep him healthy as much as we can but as far as a worker and someone who puts in the time who wants to be great and does everything right and everything we ask, his goals are very lofty and wants to go out and prove himself every time he steps on the field.
“We’re excited to get him back at full speed. He’s a great teammate because all of our guys know he’s going to bring it every practice every time on the playing field. It’s our job to make sure we utilize him in the right way.”
Mike Carmin covers Purdue sports for the Journal & Courier. Email [email protected] and follow on Twitter @carmin_jc