University of Delaware Athletics
Q&A with Josh Moran
10/14/2022 5:00:00 PM | Football
NEWARK, Del. – When looking at the University of Delaware football roster, there are a lot of student-athletes who are in their fourth, fifth or even sixth years of college football. There are also several players who have transferred from other programs, including some from the FBS level.
And then there is Josh Moran. A wide receiver from Alpharetta, Georgia, Moran is in his first year with the Blue Hens but is seven years removed from being a freshman at the University of Georgia. The 25-year-old spent his first four years in a Bulldogs’ uniform as a preferred walk-on. With eligibility remaining after a couple of injuries, Moran transferred to New Mexico State prior to the 2020 season. However, the Aggies did not play that year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Moran received his bachelor’s degree in business management from Georgia with a concentration in finance. He then earned his master’s in business administration from New Mexico State. After spending a year working for his father’s security systems company, Moran re-entered the transfer portal looking to use his final year of eligibility to continue playing the game he loved. He is now pursuing his second master’s degree as he is in the international business program at Delaware.
Moran has seen action in each of Delaware’s first six games this season. He is a key member of the team’s special teams units and has also caught four passes for 54 yards. He made his first career reception during UD’s home opener against Delaware State.
After time at two FBS programs, what drew you to Delaware?
Being at Georgia was a major blessing but, I remember pulling up on my visit to Delaware and being blown away by these facilities. To anybody curious, the facilities here are very much akin to the FBS level. Knowing very little about this university I knew I had found a “hidden” gem. Immediately I was welcomed by Jerry Oravitz, Brett Arnold and Coach Carty. The welcoming demeanor and family-like atmosphere I experienced were unlike any place I had visited. On top of that Coach Carty and Coach Archer’s track record speaks for itself, they know how to win and lead an organization with class. With all of those factors combined it was an easy decision for me to commit to this university.
While you are new to the program, what veteran leadership do you feel you have brought, particularly to the wide receivers’ group?
As a new “outsider” it was my goal to get to meet every single guy on this team and let them know I would do everything in my power to help them win. My first goal will always be the same and has been with these guys in the receiver room - to share the love of Jesus and help them develop into Godly men, ready to lead their future families and contribute to society in a positive way. For me, I have had two season-ending injuries and an entire year of Covid-19 wipe away the game I love, so I wanted to make sure each guy knew what a blessing this sport is, to never take one day for granted, and to play with extraordinary effort for each other.
After so many years in college football, you caught your first career pass against Delaware State. What was that moment like?
I love the game of football and all the relationships, fun times and memories it has brought me. Sometimes delayed gratification teaches us the most memorable life lessons. For me, it instilled the importance of persistence coupled with consistency. Now every pass I catch here I take a moment after the drive ends to thank the Lord for his faithfulness. I’ve always heard ‘the pessimist rarely achieves what the optimist believes.’ I believe most goals are attainable with hard work and grit.
You play a big role on special teams. What is the mentality that you need to bring to make an impact in that area of the game?
The beauty of this game resides in the fact that at any moment your number might be called. So, I approach each day with the thought that the next game the coaches might call upon me to snag eight catches to help us win. I have that same mindset for special teams as well, it’s a facet of the game that can change the entire outcome so giving it my full effort every play is vital. I also played safety in high school and l love to hit, so it’s a win-win for me.
You are currently working on your second graduate degree. What is your plan for after college and football?
As a seventh-year college football player, you would think I’d be tired of school by now. However, I have decided to go back down south to get my Law Degree. I will be attending the University of Georgia next fall. My long-term goal is to get into the political realm and do my best to serve this country with the principles instilled in me by my family and community.
For the latest on the Delaware football program, follow the Blue Hens on Twitter @DelawareFB and Instagram @DelawareFootball, and like "Delaware Football" on Facebook. Follow Ryan Carty on Twitter @RyanCarty10.
