Knowshon Moreno's UGA career

Sports

Knowshon Moreno's UGA career

Knowshon Moreno had a spectacular collegiate career with the Georgia Bulldogs, earning second team All-America honors in 2008.

Look familiar? Moreno was a prep All-American at Middletown South High School in New Jersey before signing with UGA. In leading his school to three state championships, he finished as the state's all-time leading scorer with 128 touchdowns and 782 points. His 6,268 career rushing yards is second all-time in New Jersey.

UGA coaches decided to redshirt Moreno his freshman year, in 2006. Though limited to practices, he quickly earned a reputation for spectacular runs. Coach Mark Richt later said it was probably a mistake not to play Moreno that season, especially as the offense often struggled. Here Moreno and QB Blake Barnes talk during a 2006 preseason practice.

First game: In the 2007 season opener (a win against Oklahoma State), Moreno made his Bulldog debut. He led the team in rushing with 70 yards, and caught two passes for 51 yards.

First 100-yard game: Against South Carolina in the second game of the season, Moreno rushed for 115 yards on only 14 carries. He was one of the few offensive highlights that day as the Bulldogs lost to the Gamecocks, 16-12.

First start: On Oct. 13, 2007, Moreno led the Bulldogs to a hard-fought 20-17 win at Vanderbilt by rushing for 157 yards on 28 carries.

Moreno scores the first of his three TDs vs. Florida in 2007. This was the score that sparked the infamous end zone celebration by the Bulldogs. Moreno rushed for 188 yards on 33 carries as UGA beat the Gators.

Moreno finished with 13 games of 100 yards or more in rushing at UGA, including 101 vs. Auburn in 2007. Here he breaks free on one of his two TD runs in that game.

Moreno became the first Bulldog since Herschel Walker to rush for over 100 yards in five consecutive games when he went for 124 yards vs. Kentucky in 2007.

Moreno was also known for his slick dancing moves off the field. He led his teammates in a dance to Soulja Boy after the Bulldogs beat Georgia Tech in 2007.

Like the Bulldogs, Moreno entered the 2008 season with high expectations. He appeared on his way with a monster game vs. Central Michigan in Week 2 (168 yards on only 18 carries; 3 TDs), including this spectacular leap-over-a-defender run in the second quarter.

Moreno had another highlight-reel effort against Arizona State in Week 3, flying into the end zone for the first of his two TDs in Tempe. He finished with 149 yards on 23 carries.

Moreno was a fan favorite, and he seemed to return the sentiment, frequently celebrating with the Bulldog faithful after victories. Here he rejoices after the Dogs beat LSU on Oct. 25.

Final TD as a Bulldog: Moreno catches the clinching score on a 21-yard pass from Matthew Stafford late in the fourth quarter against Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl.

Moreno closed his college career in the Capital One Bowl, gaining 68 yards vs. Michigan State. His two seasons as a Bulldog were remarkably consistent, as he had 248 carries for 1,336 yards in '07, and 250 carries for 1,400 this season. He averaged 5.4 yards per carry last season, 5.6 in 2008.

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Look familiar? Moreno was a prep All-American at Middletown South High School in New Jersey before signing with UGA. In leading his school to three state championships, he finished as the state's all-time leading scorer with 128 touchdowns and 782 points. His 6,268 career rushing yards is second all-time in New Jersey.

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