Feature Photo by North Carolina A&T State University

Humility is the key to success. A high IQ for the game, and of course athleticism play a huge role also. But Kade Moledor’s recognition of how got here can’t be overlooked.

The Dawson County 2023 alum latched on at North Carolina Agriculture & Technical State University, and hasn’t missed a beat. While most freshman are getting practice reps and building up their strength and conditioning, Moledor earned his spot immediately and became a leading playmaker on defense.

“I was blessed to able to play as a freshman,” admits Moledor. “I contribute that mostly to God’s plan, but also to my football IQ and understanding of the playbook at the time.”

He played in 10 games in the 2023 season, recording 49 tackles, including 2.5 for loss. He also had an interception and a pass deflection.

“When I got to school I had a great baseline in the weight room, and I was able to be ahead of most people just coming to college,” adds Moledor. “With coach Moore’s help (my strength coach now) he’s helped me to get to another level. “I’ve also invested a lot more time in recovery with cryotherapy and other things to keep my body at 100%.”

One of Moledor’s top performances came in November of last season on the road against Rhode Island. He had a career-best 12 tackles and his first college interception. He had 5 games last season with 5 or more tackles.

However, the Aggies went just 1-10. This season, the team is 1-1 with a respectable showing against Wake Forest and a win last week over Winston-Salem University by a single TD. Moledor led the team with 7 tackles and had a pass breakup. So far in 2 games, the linebacker has 10 tackles and a PBU, giving him career numbers of 59 TKL, 2.5 TFL, 1 INT, and 2 PD.

“The goal for myself is to get First Team All-CAA [Coastal Athletic Association] and for team I wanna get a ring and win a CAA Championship,” states Moledor.

For any college student, excelling on the field of play and in the classroom is a balance that can be hard to find. Moledor has kept a great head on his shoulders, and continues to look to who holds the keys to his success.

“What I’ve been challenged with was definitely time management and getting used to having only a few hours to watch film, get school work done, and eat between practices,” adds Moledor. “What drives me is first and foremost is doing everything I do for God’s glory, my family, and my late coach George Moser, and my late teammate Mason Palmer. I write their names on my wrist tape before every game to remind me when things get hard to keep fighting.”

That attitude will continue to lead Moledor to winning on the field and in life. The former Dawson County standout was a key leader on the 2022 Region 7-AAA Championship Tigers team. He was the Region Defensive Player of the Year that season after collecting 90 tackles and 5 sacks. He was a 2-time 1st Team All-Region selection, and closed his high school career with 354 tackles, 30 TFL, 12 Sacks, 3 INT, and 3 FF in 45 games played. He became a go-to option on the ground too, rushing for 532 yards and 5 TDs as a senior.