Maurice "Moe" Shirley poses at 2023 RCHS Football Media Day.(Photo:GaryBolden)

Interview with All-StateRhea County Offensive Lineman Maurice Shirley

1/29/24 Evensville, TN

Rhea County High School senior offensive lineman Maurice "Mo" Shirley recently was selected for Class 4A All-State Award given the top football players in Tennessee High School football. by The Tennessee Sports Writers Association. Shirley had previously been awarded All-Region for the 5-4A Region. Shirley has improved every year at Rhea County, culminating in his selection to All-State. I have had the pleasure of watching this young man play since youth football and the things that have impressed me over the years is his discipline, respect and hard work. He began playing football when he was 5 years old for the Dayton Little Eagles and been growing and getting better for 13 years on football fields all over the area.

Maurice's family has been there to help with his grown along the way. Family includes grandfather- Tommy Shirley, grandmother- Debbie Shirley, mother-Lisa Shirley, brother-Demetrius Shirley, and aunt- Donna Dotson as the core group that has been there for Maurice. After graduation, "Moe" is planning on attending college. Congratulations to Maurice for earning this honor.

Rhea County Offensive Line Coach Zack Davis offered up some feedback on Mr. Shirley, "Maurice, is well deserving of All State not only for what he does during game time, but during practice. He is clearly the leader on the offensive and defensive lines and a leader for the whole team. He gives full effort on every rep and expects his teammates to do the same. He would encourage those that may be lacking a little, and those players would respond every time. He would watch film and ask questions to see what coaches were seeing on film of opponents."

"The week after every game he would ask what we saw that he could improve on. As far as game time he played so hard and aggressive that opposing teams would be intimidated. I saw him make brutal punishing hits numerous times and always trying to finish his blocks. His preparation and aggressive play will help him succeed at the next level of football. On top of all of this, he is a good kid. Extremely respectful. He embodies what an All State player in Tennessee should be."

"Maurice took time to do an interview and answer some of my questions.

How did it feel to earn this honor?

"It’s truly a blessing and an honor and for other people to see the hard work and dedication and to believe I’m deserving of the awards, It is undoubtedly humbling."

Give me some feedback on your view of your improvement over the years and how has your weightlifting improved during that time."

"I’d say it was a gradual thing, I was able to get a lot of reps and playing time in my freshman and sophomore years. and going into my junior year, that offseason I lived in the weight-room and bought into what we were building and knowing I would be stepping into a leadership role. I knew I needed to set the example. Going into my freshman year my maxes were squat-405 bench-225 power clean-185. Senior year prs squat- 550 power clean- 285 bench- 365."

What are some of the characteristics that you think are essential to being a good lineman?

"I think the biggest thing is your mentality, going into the game and during the game saying this guy isn’t going to beat me and physically and mentally imposing your will on that guy all night long. some things that really have helped me is learning to use your hands and feet together and playing with leverage and finishing blocks"

As a member of JROTC and a leader with that group, has that helped with your football maturity?

"It definitely has helped. JROTC helped tremendously when I was stepping into the leadership role and I was able to see how to be a leader from SFC Harris and LTC Johnston. with them both being tremendous leaders in their own right and roll models for me. they both definitely helped me see how to not only lead by example but also by communication."

Do you feel like you are a better run-blocker or pass-blocker?

"Personally I feel I can do both just fine, I’ve done a lot more run blocking in my career with the scheme we run at Rhea County. I would say I’m better at run blocking."

Talk a little about the mechanics and methods of blocking, particularly for different running backs?

"To an extent, yes. Ethan Davis, comes to mind. He didn’t need much room and then he was gone. and with a guy like Latron Alloway you knew you needed to follow the ball because he wasn’t going down without a fight. So you needed to be ready to go push the pile."

Do you have a favorite moment(s) during your football career?

"My favorite moment had to have been right after we beat Red Bank this year and we were celebrating and just enjoying the moment."

As you look back, who have been big influences on your progression as a football player and a person?

"Probably my granny and grandpa. They both supported me tremendously in not just football but in whatever I’ve done. My grandpa always would tell me “Moe, you know dummies don’t play football” he was referring to college. They both encouraged me to not only work hard in the sport that I love but also in the classroom and anything in life. they would tell me, if your not going to put your all into something then what’s the point in doing it. Also my brother pushed me in many ways, always wanting me to do better."

Talk about the importance of academics in your career?

"Just being on a schedule and prioritizing making time for your academics is a big one and putting the extra effort into your class work like you would your sport."

Do you have any game/pregame routines, habits or superstitions?

"I’d say pre game naps was a big one, just letting your mind rest and getting mentally prepared to play a physical and mean football game."

What are some of the things you like to do to relax?

"Just like spending time with my family and going fishing."

If you could have been really good at a different sport, what would it have been?

"Basketball would have been my choice."