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CINCINNATI — Years from now, when Greg Moore reflects on his football career, he wants to be able to tell his kids and grandchildren he played in the NFL.

The former University of Cincinnati and Trotwood-Madison High School star's first step toward that goal came this weekend at Bengals rookie minicamp.

"It would mean a lot," Moore said Saturday, May 3. "I'd be able to tell some of the kids back in Trotwood how to be successful in life."

As a college free agent here on a tryout basis, Moore's odds of landing a Bengals roster spot are as long as a field horse in the Kentucky Derby. But at least he's in the race.

"What you look for," Bengals running backs coach Jim Anderson said, "is height, weight, speed and just the whole idea of putting the learning into action on the field, then playing with confidence and playing fast. You've got to catch someone's attention."

Moore is doing that. The 6-foot-1, 222-pounder is out of the starting gate quickly, showing good speed, power and ball security, plus an ability to block in pass protection and catch the ball out of the backfield.

"I'm trying to show them the full package a running back should have," Moore said. "I bring a good personality, a good attitude and a desire to win. I'm putting my best foot forward to show I can help this team win.

"It's not how you got here. It's what you do in order to stay. I'm confident in everything I do, and I'm just happy to have this opportunity."

Moore won the Brig Owens Award as UC's top back as a junior in 2006 when he rushed for 709 yards and four TDs. His production dipped to 450 yards and two TDs in 2007 as part of the Bearcats' "Four Horsemen" attack that included Jacob Ramsey, Butler Benton and Bradley Glatthaar.

He never complained.

"Greg's so underrated as a back," said ex-UC defensive end Angelo Craig, the Bengals' rookie seventh-round pick. "He was in a four-back system, and now he gets a chance to produce on his own. He's a great player.

"He's a tough runner with speed. He can get in the open field, and he's got good moves, too. You can never overlook Greg Moore."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDaily

News.com.

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