Indeed, HELMENTS OFF to Dante Moore!

I trust I speak for most of us here in support of Oregon QB Dante Moore’s willingness to share publicly his experience transitioning from Five-Star recruit to D-1 college football. Moore briefly chronicled his journey in a letter to Oregon Gov Tina Kotek where he urged the Governor to consider providing more funding for mental health services.

I have always been curious about the behind-the-scenes reality for those athletes who are the Mister All-Everything in high school; The Five-Star recruits who are hotly and aggressively recruited by all the big-time college football programs.

That transition from high school hometown hero to the glitz and glamor of college football must be a challenging one. We know that not all five-star players end up living up to that billing. Even Mr. FishDuck paused from his study of the Big Pirate Casino review to give me a few examples of Oregon players over the years.

But let’s focus on the ones who do live up to the hype. I cannot imagine what that pressure must be. I just won a match-play tournament at my local golf course, and I can remember the pressure I was feeling needing to make a four-foot putt to win it. This was a nothing event. Now, do that in front of 100,000 folks screaming for you to fail, national TV audience and all the rest of it? And then there is all the social media stuff?

I truly applaud Dante for addressing the issue. When we see the thirty-second interview at the end of the game where the player is grateful for all the help his teammates provided in being able to pull out this big win, it is easy to assume that it’s all peaches and cream. I suspect the backstory that Dante shares is more likely the reality for more than just a few of these individuals.

The incredible pass by Dante Moore to Malik Benson vs. Iowa in 2025. (Screenshot from CBS Sports Video)

This in no way lessens my confidence in Dante. Quite the opposite. We have all had questions about Dante and his performance. As a former Hawkeye, I know I spend too much time on this site referencing Iowa. However, you need look no further than the game in Iowa City this past season to see the extremes that we have experienced with Mr. Moore.

The lows and the highs. The pick in the end-zone with 5:16 to go in the first quarter to the (And I still can’t believe the Ducks won that game!) unbelievable throw to Malik Benson (Equally unbelievable catch.) with twenty-five seconds to go in the game. Twenty-five seconds to go.

Whatever wavering I have had per Dante is in the past for me. The leadership and maturity he is showing here speaks volumes and I cannot wait for this 2026 season to start. It’s going to be a special one. You heard it here.

GO DUCKS!!!

Don Marsh
Eugene, Oregon
Top Photo by Brad Repplinger

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Don Marsh

I am a transplanted Hawkeye who loves the Ducks because they realize there is more to football than just defense. Owner of Emerald Bridge Club with wife Sherri, and is a past State Champion in Horseshoes.