In joining Charlie’s Top PSU moments, we’ve added another daily countdown feature here at quebecpenspinning. We’ll be measuring up the 50 most important players to Penn State’s success in the 2009 season. You may have noticed that we’ve slacked off a little lately, but expect a few double doses of Counting Down the Lions until we’re all caught up.

Checking in at #27 is a young receiver who Penn State certainly hopes will blossom in 2009: Derek Moye.

Number: 6
Position: Wide Receiver
Class: Redshirt Sophomore
Height: 6’5
Weight: 198
Hometown: Rochester, PA
How’d He Get Here: To say Moye had a distinguished high school career would be an understatement of epic proportions.  Thrice named to the first team All-State, and representing Pennsylvania in the Big 33 Game, Moye severely dominated his AA competition, especially in his senior year.  That year, he ran for over 1200 yards with a YPC of more than 7.6, adding 20 touchdowns as a runner, and catching the ball, well, he wasn’t too shabby either, with 16 receptions for 430 yards (abobut 27 yards per catch) and 5 touchdowns.  Oh, yeah, he also had three returns for a score, intercepted three passes, and tallied 64 tackles as a safety.  Despite his dominance of lower-level competition, Moye received comparatively little interest on the recruiting side, grading as a 4-star prospect , Con Scout and as a 3-star recruit on Rivals, with offers from Penn State, Boston College, West Virginia, Cincinnati, Maryland, Michigan State and Pittsburgh.  In January of 2007, Moye committed to Penn State2008 Results: Moye saw action in 10 games for the Lions, but made just three catches in the 2008 season, though he made the most of them, compiling 71 yards on those three receptions.  Against Syracuse, Moye caught a 33 yard touchdown pass, the highlight of his 2008 season.  He nearly matched that total in last year’s Blue/White Game, catching 2 balls for 29 yards, including a 28-yard gain on a sideline grab from Daryll Clark early in the game.
What to Expect in 2009: Moye has great size and deceptive speed, so he has the ability to draw defenses, even if just used as a decoy.  He’ll be part of a group of young wideouts tasked with the unenviable position of replacing three of the best individual wideouts in Penn State history, but almost certainly the best corps the Nittany Lions have ever featured.  Moye might have the best big-play ability of any of the new group, and he should be the deep threat of the group.  You need to have one guy who’s going over the top to keep the defense honest, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Moye fills that role admirably.  He just needs to bulk up, because that kid is freakishly skinny.  A lot like AJ Price, actually.
Random Facts: Moye has speed to go along with his size.  He ran track in high school, capturing the 200 and 400-meter championships in his senior season, an there’s an interesting story behind that.  He also was an all-section selection in baseball and basketball in high school.  And he has a cousin, Rocky Washington (not that Rocky Washington), who played for Penn State earlier this decade.
The Final Word: Penn State will have a core group of four wide receivers this season who see the majority of playing time, and they each bring a separate attribute to the table.  Graham Zug, I feel, will fill the Jordan Norwood role of toughness and hands, Chaz Powell can mirror Derrick Williams’ open field dangerosity and versatility, and Brett Brackett is a giant.  Now, Moye’s best comparison might well be Deon Butler, the big play threat who averaged about 20 yards a catch last year.  Nobody’s expecting Moye to come in and lead the team in receiving, but if utilized properly, Moye could be Penn State’s home run threat in 2009.  He’s certainly proven himself an electric player when he’s been able to get on the field, both in high school and in limited reps last year.  It would be nice if Penn State could develop another great young receiver, especially one who’s 6’5.