Jefferson WR Moore trying to get more locals in red and black

TAMPA -- Jefferson wide receiver Chris Moore, the Tampa Bay area's leading receiver in yards and touchdown catches, said he's not only firm in his commitment to the University of Cincinnati, but he's also trying to get more local players to join him up north.

Moore, who has 1,290 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns this season, committed to the Bearcats back in August and said following a recent practice that he's still a solid commitment there.

In fact, Moore said he's been doing his own local recruiting. He said he's spoken with Gaither senior defensive end Chadd Hannah and Land O' Lakes junior tight end Kent Taylor, both of which are on the Bearcats' recruiting radar, about also coming to Cincinnati.

"It's nice to be able to help some other guys out," he said.

The Bearcats currently have 10 Florida players on their roster, but none from the bay area.

Cincinnati, which won back-to-back Big East titles in 2008 and '09 under current Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly, is 4-7 this year under first-year coach Butch Jones. The Bearcats close out the season this Saturday against Big East rival Pitt.

Moore and the undefeated Dragons (12-0) face Ocala Vanguard (10-2) in the Class 3A region final on Friday.

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA (eencina@sptimes.com; Twitter: @EddieHometeam)

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