PHOTO | FLORIDA ATHLETICS

Charlotte guard  T.J. Moore, who earned his undergraduate degree at Florida, opted to transfer home to pursue a master’s and play for the 49ers.

Playing for the Charlotte 49ers was not on T.J. Moore’s radar in 2017.

The four-star offensive line recruit at Mallard Creek High played for Florida from 2017-20 and graduated with a degree in education, but a redshirt season allowed him one more year of eligibility. He entered the transfer portal and returned home to pursue a master’s degree in sociology at a football program that’s vastly different from the one he knew growing up.

“Not going to lie, I was not really looking at UNCC, but over the years I’ve seen they have grown a lot, and I see the chemistry they have as a team and how hard they go and also the connection of family. That really bought me in [to the program]. As soon as I got here, it’s been nothing but that the whole time. They’re just really big on family, and I love it here.”

Charlotte went 1-11, 1-7 Conference USA during Moore’s freshman year at Florida. Two years later, under first-time FBS head coach Will Healy, they completed their first winning season (7-6, 5-3 C-USA) and made their first bowl appearance. Their momentum came to a crashing halt amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which canceled half of their season. They finished 2-4, 2-2 C-USA. Nevertheless, transformation is underway at Charlotte, under Healy, who promises to make the program relevant even if it means dancing shirtless in the locker room, also known as Club Lit, after a win to inspire his team to cultivate a unique culture. 

“He has been fantastic,” Healy said of Moore. “He’s a pro before he’s a pro. He’s a big-time addition, and he felt like it was a good opportunity for him to stay at home and make Charlotte relevant.”

Said senior receiver Victor Tucker: “Just him making an effort to bond with the guys, the work ethic that he puts in and then just the swag he brings to the field is definitely a great joy to see.”

Moore played predominantly as a reserve offensive lineman for the Gators. He appeared in two games in 2018, 13 games in 2019 and four games in 2020.

“My experience in Gainesville was good,” Moore said. “I can say I got my degree, made a lot of connections and relationships.” 

Jacksonville Jaguars offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor and Moore became close during their Florida days. Moore said Taylor is his best friend and mentor.

Moore played left tackle and right guard for the Gators, but Healy looks to use him as more of a tackle, which is fine by Moore, who can play anywhere up front, except center. 

“We are going to have nine or 10 guys that are going to have an opportunity to help us up front, and the question is who is your best five, and where do they fit?” Healy said. “Whether he is a right tackle or a left tackle, I don’t know yet, but I know he’ll play a lot of football for us.”

Joining the 49ers means reuniting with tight ends coach Joe Cox, who coached quarterbacks at Mallard Creek when Moore was there.

“I’m glad to be back with coach Cox,” Moore said. “He was my high school coach at Mallard Creek. It’s just great to see him every day. He brings great energy and passion and enthusiasm.”

Moore fits Charlotte in terms of leveling up on the talent side. Healy has preached recruiting players who fit Charlotte’s culture from day one, whether they are freshmen or transfers. Moore’s addition checked every box.

“For me, the question for T.J. was, ‘was staying at home the right fit?’” Healy asked. “He’s a Mallard Creek guy. He’s from right down the road. From a talent perspective, he’s next-level talented. I wanted to be able to have a chance to talk to him and gauge his interest in how we do things from a culture perspective, which is a little unique and see what kind of character he has. He blew us out of the water.”

Moore said Charlotte’s offensive line coach Pete Rossomando was a key component in his decision to transfer to Charlotte. He recalled how Rossomando talked about how good the coaching staff at Charlotte is.

“I’m here because of coach Pete,” Moore said.

Moore left the field last after Charlotte’s opening practice on Aug. 5, staying behind to put extra work in. He credits his work ethic as something his coaches at Mallard Creek instilled in him.

“The work definitely don’t stop,” Tucker said of his new teammate with a smile.

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