Quentin Moore’s smile sparkled just as much as the silver-white stud in his right ear lobe and the gold cross hanging from his neck.

As he took a seat and stretched his long legs in the Inglemoor High athletic office, the Viking senior tight end was thrilled that he was selected to the USA TODAY High School Sports 2018 American Family Insurance ALL-USA Washington Football Team. The 6-foot-5, 240-pound Viking is an offense second-team selection.

“I’m extremely honored to even be put in this category, top players in Washington. It’s exciting, very surprising,” said Moore, noting that the stud was a Christmas gift from a friend.

During his senior season, Moore had 38 receptions for 547 yards and five touchdowns. His longest reception covered 89 yards. On the rushing front, he had nine carries for 97 yards, including a 66-yarder, and one touchdown.

One of his most stunning plays occurred in the Vikings’ 21-12 homecoming victory over North Creek. He took the spotlight with a 27-yard reception and run up field during which he hurdled an opponent and had the packed Viking stands roaring.

Quarterback Kolby Solomon had a run-pass option on his plate, and when the run didn’t pan out, he turned the play toward Moore.

“When I caught it, I looked to my left and I saw someone going for my knees. I really didn’t think about it — it just happened. I told my coach after the play, ‘Coach, I didn’t even mean to do that.’ It was really cool,” Moore said. “I always watch You Tube videos on players hurdling people and stuff — it just happened.”

In his seventh year of competitive football, Moore developed a solid work ethic — spending a ton of time in the gym during the offseason and pushing himself hard so that he and the team could reap success.

Inglemoor bonded as a squad and notched a 5-4 overall record for the Viks’ best season in recent memory. It was a stellar experience for everyone involved, said Moore, noting that he’s had a handful of college offers but hasn’t made any commitments yet.

Moore, who is interested in space and sports medicine, looks to his mom for guiding words of advice on the football field and beyond.

“She always tells me no matter what I wanna do, if I put my mind to it, I can achieve it,” he said, adding that they have a tight relationship.

At football practice and under the Friday night spotlight, Moore works diligently on what he’s called upon to deliver — catch, run or block — for his team when the ball is snapped. Along with the USA TODAY honor, Moore was a first-team 4A KingCo Crown tight end.

“That really will stick with you the rest of your life,” he said of the intense football action. “It really teaches you to be a man. You just gotta take care of business, just be a man.”