2023 DE Jason Moore Developing Relationship with Notre Dame's Al Washington

2023 DeMatha Catholic (Md.) defensive end Jason Moore‍ is one of the most coveted players in the country and that was before he gave up basketball. 

The 6-foot-6, 255-pounder is already seeing the physical benefits of not playing basketball as Moore has been able to turn his attention to training and school. 

"It's going well,” Moore told ISD. “Since I stopped playing basketball, I've had a lot more free time to focus on school football and I can tackle this recruiting stuff. 

"I'm keeping my weight on. I'm on a meal plan and everything. You have to work hard to keep the weight on. I'm working out every other day, running and I cut out all the snacks too." 

Notre Dame is a program coming hard after Moore and it starts with Chad Bowden. The two have developed a strong relationship and Moore has also started to talk to new defensive line coach Al Washington. 

"It's been great,” stated Moore. “I'm still talking a lot with Chad Bowden. We have a great relationship. Al Washington just got the job and I've been hearing from him every other day. We're building the relationship." 

Moore appreciates the time Washington has made and it’s allowed them to form a relationship. Washington’s “youth” is also a positive as he's been able to connect on many levels with the DeMatha star.

"I feel I can relate to him a lot,” explained Moore. “His personality is one where he wants you to work hard for everything. Learning that stuff from him definitely helps bring us closer together.

"It's definitely a factor because he's a younger guy. He has a lot more energy and passion than some other coaches. He mentioned he's passionate in the way he coaches." 

The Fighting Irish aren't the only program coming hard after the Moore as some of the top programs in the country made a stop by his high school in January.

"Maryland, Penn State, LSU, South Carolina and I recently got an offer from Ohio State,” Moore said of the schools coming the hardest. “I was waiting on the Ohio State offer because we were always in contact. When they finally offered, it definitely felt good.

"Michigan is also another school I keep in contact with." 

Moore wants to make unofficial spring visits to LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame and Ohio State before making his mind up on where his official visits will be.

"It's hard to say,” Moore explained. “For me, it depends on how many visits I get to make this spring. Hopefully, I can take my officials this summer, but I'm not rushing things. If it gets pushed back, then it is what it is." 

A commitment date will be influenced on those visits and Moore doesn't feel a rush to make his decision as he wants to make the right choice.

"The timing of my visits will decide when I commit,” said Moore. “I want to commit before next season, but it all depends on when I get to go visit schools. 

"The main factors for me will be the schools that will develop me into the best version of myself on and off the field. I want to know if I went to that school without football, I'd still love the school. 

"Life after football is a big factor." 

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