When coming out of Brandon Valley High School in South Dakota, Dale Moss wasn’t known for his amazing catches across the middle of the field, he was known for his 18 points and seven rebounds a game for the Linx. Dale led his team to a fourth place finish in the state AA tournament. Dale was a two-time All-Eastern South Dakota selection in basketball and football, a two-time all-state selection in basketball and a captain of the basketball and football teams as a senior. Moss was named MVP of the basketball team as a senior and won both shootout and slam-dunk championships. His most prestigious award was when he was named the Lynx Award winner, the highest honor a Brandon Valley athlete can earn. He spent four years on the team, Dale asked for another year of eligibility to try to play football which he still has a passion for. After being granted another year of eligibility, Dale went on to start for the football team at wide receiver. Dale played in 11 games this year and ended the season with 61 receptions for 949 yards and six touchdowns. I know more than one person that was probably extremely happy with Dale’s performance. Dale’s Uncle Johnny Rodgers the former Heisman Trophy Winner and his cousin Bobby Newcome who both played in the NFL are probably both extremely happy. Well with Dale’s amazing pro day, he really opened the eyes of some NFL scouts, where he ran a 4.38 forty, had a 41.5 inch vertical, had a 10’10 broad jump. Dale has been slowly moving up draft boards, but after this performance he might have just earned himself a lot better spot. I had the time to talk with Dale in an exclusive interview for Mocking The Draft today, to find out more about upcoming draft sleeper.
What was your most memorable moment coming out of Brandon Valley High School, in South Dakota?
My most memorable moment, was probably winning the district championship my senior year in basketball. Coach Decker was like a father figure to me, and I remember how happy he was winning that championship.
How many teams were recruiting you out of high school for football?
I really don’t know, because I gave my verbal early for basketball to South Dakota State. I probably had options at other schools, but once they found out that I signed my letter of intent they backed off.
What was your most memorable moment at South Dakota State?
There are two most memorable moments, my sophomore year, playing basketball, we won the first round of our conference, the night before I had to leave, because my mother was having liver failure. I had to drive to Omaha, and she ended up making and doing fine. I ended up making it back and we won.
The second happened this past season, our homecoming game, against Southern Illinois, I had a really good game, and it was the last time playing in front of South Dakota State fans and family. It was a good way to go out and it was a very emotional moment.
Who was the toughest player you ever played up against?
Football was probably the Linebacker from Northern Iowa LJ Fort, he was a really good player, he was all over the field. Asa Jackson from Cal Poly was a very tough kid to go up against.
What was the most traumatic thing that has ever happened in your life? How did you overcome it?
I would have to say, when my mother was sick, and when she was trying to get a liver transplant. I was literally traveling for basketball, and then I was going to Omaha whenever I could to be with her. It was extremely hard, but the University was able to work with me, and allow me to take my classes on the internet. Then I had to travel back to school to catch my basketball games. I managed to get through it with my family and friends helping me get through it. It was probably one of the most trying times in my life.
What did Uncle Johnny and cousin Bobby think about your transition to Football?
Honestly, I really never talked with him throughout the whole process. He always told me to keep my head on my shoulders, I haven’t really talked with him since the transition to football though.
What was your favorite NFL team growing up?
The San Francisco 49ers, I was a huge Jerry Rice fan. It was pretty crazy, because when I left Florida for training, I met Jerry Rice for the first time, and I was star struck. I idolized him as a little kid. It was amazing to get to see your childhood hero.
Who in the NFL would say, your game is most like and why?
I would say Randy Moss type of player, a big, athletic receiver. I think size and similarities are alike, but for a new player, I would say AJ Green, we both make the plays on the ball.
If you could meet one person dead or alive; who would it be and why?
Martin Luther King Jr, just because the society now, but I feel that he has changed America so much. I would like to meet him, it would be amazing to meet him.
If it was your last meal on earth, what would it be?
La Juanita’s Taco’s spot in Sioux City, South Dakota, best Mexican restaurant in the world.
Have you been hearing where NFL teams have you projected in the draft?
I have heard anywhere from the 5th to 7th round and even free agent, but I don’t put too much stock in it. I know I can’t control it.
What NFL teams talked with you this year?
I have talked with almost every team this year.
You played at the East/West Shrine Game, what was that experience like?
It was a great experience, I would say it was a great confidence booster for me. Playing against the top players in the country and competitng with them. I think it gave me a lot more confidence going forward.
When you talk with NFL teams, what do you tell them you will bring to their team?
I am a good kid, with good character, and am an extremely good person. I will go out and give it everything, and I will work hard and contribute for whatever team takes a chance on me.
Do you have any pre game rituals?
I always take a nap, before the game, I am always trying to make sure I was prepared and have everything I need, then I take a nap.
Do you have any hobbies?
I love cooking, sports and am a big movie fan. I am a movie fanatic
If you were to find a genie lamp and get three wishes, what would they be?
First wish would be to win the mega millions lotto ticket, second would wish a new stadium for South Dakota State football, and lastly I would want Bobby Flay as my personal chef.
Fill in the blank, In ten years from now, I will be ________________________?
a successful NFL Wide Receiver.
With your first NFL paycheck, what will you buy?
A Louis Vuitton backpack, since I always wanted one when was a kid, and then I would give the rest to my mom and she can do what she wants with it.
If you liked the interview with Dale Moss, make sure to follow me on twitter @drocksthaparty for more exclusive interviews with the sleeper picks.