Badin’s two-way star, Braedyn Moore, is ready to make an impact at UC
Braedyn Moore was prepared to go wherever his football career wanted to take him. It just happened that the prevailing wind blew its way 40 minutes south to Clifton. The two-way Badin football star has earned acclaim from across the state, which garnered him a spot on Luke Fickell’s rising roster at the University of Cincinnati.
“I went and visited a majority of schools, and I got a certain feeling from every single one,” said Braedyn Moore of his recruitment. “Most of the schools made me feel wanted, but UC made me really feel wanted. I visited multiple times and I got a connection with all the coaches. It just felt like the right time, the right team and the right moment.”
Braedyn announced his commitment on April 20th.
Moore, who stands at 6’1 and weighs nearly 200 lbs, has been a focal point on the offensive and defensive side for the Rams over the past two seasons. The incoming senior has earned All-Conference honors both years he has been on the varsity circuit– in that time the Rams amassed a record of 22-2.
In many ways the Bearcats and the Rams have mirrored each other. Luke Fickell’s first season at helm of UC was 2017, the same year Nick Yordy took over his alma mater’s program at Badin. After each coach took lumps in the first season, the team improved in the sophomore effort. Then the third season acts as a debutante. The Rams split the league title en route to the regional championship, while the Bearcats won the American Conference a bowl game. In 2020, which was a Covid-19 shortened season, both teams went undefeated while coming short of their postseason asspirations. And we all know what happened in the fall of 2021. The Rams dominated 14 games before falling to the reigning state champion Chardon Hilltoppers in the championship game. The Bearcats meanwhile became the first school from outside of a power five conference to make the College Football Playoff.
Moore grew up playing and excelling at multiple sports. As a twelve year old he was a dominant arm for West Side Little League’s all star team, which came just a few games short of the World Series. Though his athletic ability has always shined, it wasn’t until high school that he would find just how strong his passion was for football.
“When I started varsity both ways as a sophomore, I thought to myself that this is what I really wanted to do,” said Moore. “Football just came more naturally to me. Baseball is a game of failure, it’s not about the strongest or fastest guy. Football has just always come more natural to me.”
Football, for all its nuance, is still a sport that is majorly about being the fastest or strongest. And there aren’t too many athletes faster or stronger than B Moore.
Last fall Moore finished third in the GCL with 655 receiving yards, while simultaneously sharing the lead for interceptions on the defensive side of the ball. At times he has undoubtedly being the biggest threat in the Rams offense, but it’s the defense where he will truly flourish at the next level.
“They want me to play the boundary safety position. So I’ll be covering slots, tight ends and will be in the very back of the defense just depending on the formation,” said the three star recruit. “I’ll have a chance to start early on.”
With several players moving on to the NFL draft people expect the Bearcats to take a step backwards this year. In some ways, Badin is in that same boat as several key pieces to team have graduated. B Moore, now entering his senior season, sees his Rams continuing to be at the forefront of southwest Ohio football. Being a senior comes with an expectation to take a more pivotal role as a leader– a role that Moore isn’t taking lightly.
“I’m not a very vocal leader, I think my actions resemble a leader,” said Braedyn. “I try to lead by example. Showing 110% effort and showing my teammates the right thing to do on the field. Though I’m going to try and be more vocal this year and try to get to those younger guys and really put an impact on them.”
When Moore thinks back to all the memories he has already made in his athletic career he is reminded of last season’s tournament run. The comeback against Bellbrook and the state championship game stand taller than the rest, and Moore is eager to get back to those positions. Perhaps this time hoisting the state championship trophy.