Signal Mountain's Harrison Moon Headed For Greatness

All-State Lineman Already Committed To Mississippi State

  • Monday, August 18, 2014
  • John Hunt

(This is the 12th in a series of preseason stories on new high school football coaches, or veteran coaches at a different school, and top players in the Chattanooga area)

It’s hard to ignore Harrison Moon when he walks into a room.

He’s quite an imposing figure as the Signal Mountain senior stands 6-6 and weighs 285 pounds.  There’s not an ounce of fat on his body anywhere.

He’s made quite a name for himself as a prep football player and he earned All-State honors for the Eagles a year ago when his team had an 8-4 record, won District 7-AA for the second-straight year and advanced to the second round of the TSSAA playoffs.

It’s real obvious that the future is bright in football for the youngest son of Rae and Mike Moon.  One coach recently compared him to John Hannah, who earned All-America honors at Baylor and Alabama before a Hall of Fame career in the NFL.

He’s already committed to play in the Southeastern Conference with the Mississippi State Bulldogs after having a host of offers from big-time football programs, including Michigan, Alabama, Purdue, Duke, Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss and Florida among others.

Moon saw his first action for the Eagles as a freshman where he started as a tight end.  No doubt opposing defenders are happy they won’t have to tackle him, but they are also probably losing sleep trying to figure out a way around him.

“He’s been around for a long time and he’s an outstanding blocker,” said Signal Mountain head coach Bill Price when asked about his prized lineman.

“It’s hard to find big, athletic linemen, but he fits the bill and his future will be on the offensive line.  He’s so long.  He played some at defensive end last year and he’s good at both spots, but we’ll use him primarily on the offensive line as we like having a big kid at tackle who is quick and strong.

“Harrison wants to do what’s best for the team, but he’s worked really hard to improve his skills.  We always want to have a successful season, but if he plays up to his potential and those around him do too, we’ll have a great year,” Price smiled.

Moon is a handsome young man who has an easy smile and is a true gentleman in every since of the word.  His whole demeanor changes when he straps on the shoulder pads and snaps the chinstrap on his helmet.

“He’s a player who is one of the best I’ve ever seen and I’ve been around some good ones,” said Ernie McCarson, Signal Mountain’s line coach.

“He’s got size and he’s exceptionally quick.  He’s pretty vicious and he’s developed a mean streak.  He’s been to a lot of camps and has made himself better, but he’ll do well at Mississippi State.

“I just wish I had about six more like him,” the veteran coach smiled.

About that time, Moon came strolling into the coaches office wearing a Mississippi State football T-shirt and a smile on his face.

“It’s going to be a great year as we want to win another state championship.  We expect greatness up here,” he said with a straight face.

“I’m really exciting about going to Mississippi State as their program was all I was looking for.  It’s a weight off my shoulders to get that decision made so I can concentrate on my final year here.  It’s weird to think that this is my last year up here. 

“I want to slow the clock down a little bit, but I’m also ready for the next level.  Football is my passion and I’ve been playing since the first grade.

“I was fortunate to start at tight end as a freshman, but playing on the offensive line is more natural for me than catching the ball.  Absolutely nothing beats a good pancake block,” he said.

“I feel like I have a good work ethic and I’m quicker than most linemen, so that gives me an advantage,” he stated.

Moon says that he wants to study either Broadcast Communication or Graphic Design at Mississippi State, but he ultimately wants to make his money playing football on Sunday afternoons in the NFL.

The sky’s the limit for this young man and it all starts with his senior year at Signal Mountain.

Tuesday: Baylor’s Nick Tiano and Ryan Parker.

(email John Hunt at nomarathonmoose@comcast.net)

 

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