In the Zone with Kellen Moore: One on One with the Boise State QB

Recently Kellen Moore, the cool and efficient quarterback for the Boise State Broncos football program, spoke to the Bronco Blue Review and its creator, Lace Banachek.  Kellen addressed issues on the coming year, some personal information, and what is like to be a Bronco.


The Interview

Kellen Moore was asked regarding the pressure of another undefeated season, and about the inner strength that keeps him so cool, as well as his expectations of the coming season.  Kellen responded by saying, “The pressure is what makes it fun, that’s why you play the game, to be in a critical situation where you have to execute.  As far as next season, we just have to take it one game at a time. I just want to be more efficient.”

Kellen was then asked regarding his ability to operate under center and the run game for this coming season, and whether a run game would make his life as quarterback less stressful.

Kellen said, “As far as playing under center, I don’t think it will make much of a difference.  I am good with it, we will still be mixing it up back and forth from shotgun and under center.  The running game will come along, we got a lot of guys back from last year that now have that year of experience.  A solid running game is great because then you can get the play action pass off of it and keep a balanced attack.”

Also, Kellen was asked how he felt making the Broncos football team, and if there were any special moments from his freshman year that stood out to him.  He was also asked why he felt the need to take extra time with his fans, for example, at the close of the Blue and Orange game, posing in photos and signing autographs even when he was being asked to rush over for the media.

Kellen said, “My redshirt year was just a great opportunity to get used to how things worked.  I was able to learn the offense, and just understand how the program worked as far as workouts and practices.  I think the fans are awesome here.  That’s what makes things fun here.  It’s important to thank them in any way possible, and spend some time with them."

Kellen was then asked about his parents and whether or not they will be moving to Boise, where his father could continue coaching.  He was also asked regarding his brother Kirby and whether or not he would be redshirting.

Kellen comments to these questions showed his team-first attitude.  Kellen's response was, “My parents are staying in Prosser, my dad is a teacher and my mom is a elementary principal.  I think my brother will try to learn everything he possibly can and let the decision up to the coaches.  I think there are advantages to both.”

Kellen was then asked if he felt the Broncos were capable of dominating the WAC and winning a BCS Bowl.  Kellen’s answer really showed the quality of his respect for the players, coaches, and his conference as he responded saying, “We have tons of talent on this team but so does everyone else in college football.  I think it will come down to preparation and just taking it game by game.”

Kellen then responded to questions regarding his young receiving corps and whether or not he dreamt, just a tad, about how good they might be over the next couple of years.  Kellen said, “We have an awesome wide receiver and tight ends group...It’ll be great that we can all gel together for the next two years.”

Kellen was further asked if was planning on keeping in touch with some of those who graduated in his freshman year like Ian Johnson or Vinny Perretta.  Kellen said that he stays in touch with Bush Hamdan, and went on to say that Bush was very helpful to him his freshman year.

Lastly, Kellen was asked about his schedule and the quality of it—as this writer has said, many people don't highly regard the Broncos' schedule—and whether teams like Cal Davis, Tulsa, and Bowling Green would be pushovers.  He was also asked if he planned to put on an aerial circus on for the fans this season, especially Bowling Green, which played the Broncos pretty close last season, and Tulsa, which is used to putting mammoth points on the board.

Kellen closed the interview by saying, "I think our schedule is a tricky one because we travel so much this year.  We are playing all over the country this year and each game will bring a different challenge.  Bowling Green has a new staff, so it’s a real unknown.  Two years ago, they had a very good team and the quarterback is still there.  Tulsa has had a very potent offense and has been very successful for quite a few years.  As a quarterback you always want to throw the ball around but the offense is going to be more efficient when we have a balanced attack."

It was a real pleasure to have this moment to sit down with Kellen.

Kellen Moore’s responsibility leading a top 25-rated college football team has not gone to his head.  In fact, this writer found Kellen to be totally respectful of his opponent, regardless of whoever it is.

There is no sign of arrogance with this young man.  He seems to try to make time for his fan, whether that is taking photo with a child, college peer, teammates past and present, or even a local writer.

Most important, Kellen’s respect for Boise State University and his coaches was evident in every aspect of the interview.  He answered questions as completely as he could without overstepping his boundaries, and with the most respect he could muster.

It was, without a doubt, one of the finest interviews this writer has taken part in.  Bronco fans look forward to the coming season and to another page from the book of Kellen Moore artistry.  Go Broncos!

Originally posted on August 4, 2009 by Lace Banachek at Bronco Blue Review. 

SPECIAL REPORT************OBNUG-SIGHTING*************BANACHEK ON OBNUG

Kevan, the creator of OBNUG, Boise Idaho's rowdy, totally biased, but heavenly entertaining Bronco Football reporting site has offered Banachek to be part of his weekly format by offering up a couple lines a week called "Words of wisdom by Lace Banachek."

You can read his "Words of wisdom" here.