Keyso Moss is a defensive tackle for Missouri S&T who has also lined up at fullback throughout his career. At six foot one, 285 pounds Moss has the natural size to find himself levelling defenders from the fullback spot, but found most of his college success on the defensive line. After an impressive senior year, Moss is hoping that somebody overlooks his slightly smaller frame and sees that he plays with a hunger that matches his natural power.
Slightly raw in pass rushing situations, Moss has been able to rely on his athleticism to beat offensive linemen from the jump. A solid run defender, Moss has consistently made plays in the backfield of opposing teams.
Keyso is an ideal locker room character, he is humble, dedicated and motivated to succeed at the next level. His relentless motor should impress NFL scouts.
Exclusive Interview With Missouri S&T’s Keyso Moss
Can you describe how the process of getting ready for the NFL Draft has been for you?
It has been a long process for sure. But it’s been great because I have learned a lot about my body and how to maintain the right weight. I’ve also found when it comes to speed and agility that it is the small things which really count if I am trying to shave off time in drills. Ultimately I feel blessed to even go through this process and for that I am grateful to God.
You have been somewhat of a journeyman throughout your college career. How easy have you found the transition from team to team?
It has definitely been a long road since high school. When I played junior college i took some time to get used to their three man front. However, I picked it up by mid-season and actually played well enough to get some Division I scholarship offers, unfortunately I was one unit credit short.
First I went to Mississippi Valley State where they ran a 4-3 ‘read’ scheme, I knew that if I was going to get scouts attention that I would have to be able to show off my speed and explosiveness. Which is what brought me to Missouri S&T.
Since the move the coaches have allowed me to showcase my abilities on both sides of the ball. They definitely went ‘all in’ with me, and game planned to my strengths which made the switch easier.
You mention playing on both sides of the ball, is there a unit you prefer being a part of?
I can’t say that I prefer either. I like being a difference maker and will try to do just that wherever I get lined up.
Having played in more than one position and for multiple colleges, do you think you have an advantage over the prospects who perhaps had a more streamlined path to this point?
For sure. I think that it puts me ahead because any team can pick me up and plug me right in to wherever they need me to be. There are a lot of good players who are one dimensional, but I’m like a Swiss Army knife, I can be used anywhere on the field and be effective.
Is there anybody’s game who you see some of yourself in?
On the defensive side it would either be Aaron Donald or Gerald McCoy. As a fullback I’d say a little bit of Jerome Bettis.
Is there a single asset that you are particularly proud of?
My work ethic and leadership skills. There are guys in this process who are as quick as me and can move their feet like I can. What sets me apart if my ability to be a natural leader.
Having attended schools away from home, have your family still played a part in your football journey?
My family have been letting me know that they support me right from the beginning of this process. Both my mom and grandmother played sports so they have been really understanding and helpful. Always making sure they support me as much as possible with what we had.
The biggest thing that they taught me was to never give up no matter what the circumstances were. Reminding me that faith in God and hard work will always see me through.
Do you have any pregame rituals?
Before every game I say a prayer, from that point on I know that I’m covered. During warmups and on the way to the stadium I often listen to country music to make sure I stay calm and preserve all the adrenaline for game time. Once coach has called the players up, I’ll usually make a speech to get them riled up.
If you could pick any defensive line from history to play on, which would it be and why?
I’d be more than happy to play on any of them. But if I could pick one player to line up alongside it would be Warren Sapp.
Five tackles for loss, three sacks and a forced fumble this season. Is there something satisfying about being disruptive behind the line of scrimmage?
If you watch all of my film you’ll see that I actually got more than ten tackles for loss but some weren’t included on the stat sheet. You’re definitely right, it’s definitely a rush to get into the backfield and cause havoc. As a defensive lineman, that’s my touchdown.
What is the best thing that football has allowed you to do?
Thanks to football I have been to places I would never have had the chance to see otherwise. We just didn’t have the means to travel to all these different states, so travelling and my education are two things that football opened my eyes to.
Everybody has dreamt about getting that NFL paycheck, what would you do with yours?
Make sure my family are good. I owe a lot to my mom and my grandma. After that I would take care of all of my student loans.
