S. California running back commits to BYU

A.J. Moore, a 5-10, 192-pound running back at Murrieta High in Riverside, Calif., announced Wednesday he will sign to play for BYU beginning in 2010.

Moore, who was offered a scholarship by BYU last week, said he always wanted to play for the Cougars and will follow two other Murrieta High football players, linebacker Chad Hansen and wide receiver Skylar Ridley to Provo.

Hansen, who was offered by Boise State, just returned from an LDS mission, and Ridley remains in church service on a mission.

"When BYU offered me, I accepted on the spot," said Moore.

He is BYU's eighth oral commitment for the class of 2010.

Moore, who has 4.5 speed in the 40, helped his school to a 9-4 record last year and averaged seven yards per carry in the spread offense. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards and had 600 yards receiving as a junior. He started as a sophomore. In last summer's BYU non-padded camp, Moore was honored as the best running back and third best defensive back.

"Coach (Mark) Weber told me the defensive coaches at BYU were fighting for me to play on defense, but he had plans for me to stay on offense at running back," he said. "I plan on enrolling at BYU after I graduate from high school in 2010 and then go on a mission after a year."

E-mail: dharmon@desnews.com