Freshman wide receiver TJ Moore shared his recruitment journey during his first media appearance at Clemson on Tuesday, recounting how things started slowly before taking off after his junior season. “It didn’t start until spring of my sophomore year,” Moore said. “At first it started off slow, but after one game it started to blow up.” After catching four passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns in his first game, he received offers from about 20 schools. Clemson offered Moore after his junior season, and following an official visit, he made his commitment, turning down offers from other programs.
“When it came down to making my final decision, there were teams throwing money at me, this and that, trying to bribe me,” Moore explained. “But Clemson felt right. Clemson is what I was taught to like when I was a kid.” Moore highlighted the strong relationship he formed with head coach Dabo Swinney. “Coach Swinney is a great role model, matter of fact. He says hi to you three or four times a day. He calls my mom. He keeps great contact with my family,” Moore added.
Now in his first season with the Tigers, Moore made his debut in Clemson’s season opener against Georgia and followed it up with a solid performance against Appalachian State, catching three passes for 44 yards and scoring his first career touchdown. Reflecting on his decision, Moore said, “I just really respect coach Swinney. Just Clemson in general made me feel great, and I just knew that was the right decision.”