Back in the saddle: Skai Moore makes triumphant return for Gamecocks

Skai Moore could’ve been forgiven had he been thinking back on it all Saturday morning.

The South Carolina linebacker was standing on the field where he posted probably the best game of his career, a game that started the hardest season for his team, a season that almost ended with him going pro and the last time he suited up for a meaningful down.

But he wasn’t.

“It’s football,” Moore said. “I’m about to play a game, nothing too crazy.”

Moore was back on the field for Saturday’s 35-28 win against N.C. State after missing all of last season because of neck surgery. The Florida product had built one of the better careers for a defensive player in school history, and had to go 21 months without adding to it.

So what was it like to be back?

“It felt good,” Moore said. “I mean, last year, watching my team and all that, being able to come out here with these guys to get this W, it means everything.”

He gave fans a little scare when he limped off late after landing on a cleat. He posted eight tackles, half of one for loss, and a quarterback pressure in a big spot.

Moore also said it meant something to win with the small army of younger players the Gamecocks were throwing into the fire. He had the chance to lead and guide them along.

Moore started his first three years at USC, leading the team in tackles each season and interceptions twice. He got two at Bank of America Stadium two years ago, helping South Carolina knock off what would be an 11-win North Carolina team.

Now, Moore is one of two truly seasoned hands in USC’s linebacker room, with sophomore T.J. Brunson stepping into a starting spot and several young players stepping in.

South Carolina coach Will Muschamp said he was proud to have Moore back on the field and has high hopes going forward.

“I feel like he’ll continue to play better and better and better,” Muschamp said. “But you sit out a year, I’m sure it does knock the rust off a little bit. Watching him in practice, he’s extremely bright, extremely, intelligent, he plays fast. That’s what you’re looking for.”

This story was originally published September 4, 2017 at 11:15 AM with the headline "Back in the saddle: Skai Moore makes triumphant return for Gamecocks."