For Northern Arizona cornerback
Quentin Moten, football has always been more than just a game. It's his calling. It has not only tested his faith and shaped his identity, but, most recently, illuminated his sense of purpose as a father.
"I'm a God-fearing man from Rancho Cucamonga, California," Moten said with a smile. "I'm the fourth of six kids, a dad to a 5-month-old daughter, and I'm just trying to be the best man I can be on and off the field."
Moten's journey to NAU was far from a straight line. It started in JUCO, traveled through Las Vegas, and hit an unexpected pause before finally finding a home in Flagstaff.
The Long Road to Flagstaff
After a season at UNLV in 2023, Moten entered the transfer portal with hopes of finding another FBS opportunity. NAU was one of the first schools to reach out, but he admits that he initially brushed them off.
"I was kind of big-timing them a little bit," he said with a laugh. "I didn't really want to drop down a division level (to the FCS)."
Unfortunately, the opportunities he was expecting never came. For the first time since he was 9 years old, Moten found himself out of football and without a team to give his all to.
During his longer-than-expected offseason, he leaned on his faith and family.
"What kept me strong was my faith," Moten said. "I kept working out every single day, attacking the grind, because I knew someone would come find me if I just stayed ready."
His belief paid off. This past spring, NAU head coach
Brian Wright and defensive coordinator
Adam Clark called again with another offer. This time, Moten didn't hesitate.
"I committed on the spot," he said. "I didn't want to take anything for granted again."
Now settled in Flagstaff, Moten finally feels at peace.
"It's been amazing since I've been here," he said. "I love the city, the fans, the people. The atmosphere – it's a great place to be."
Lessons in Humility and Growth
From his time in junior college at two separate schools, Moten learned that there was an extra level of grind necessary to climb the collegiate ranks. At UNLV, he experienced the speed and physicality of Division I football.
Moten, who admitted to playing with an ego, learned humility, patience and resilience during his year away from the game, teaching him to play with a purpose. Outside of the sport, he learned a lot about how to deal with trials and tribulations in a complete mental transformation.
During the difficult times, he credits mentors and friends like C.J. Stroud and Silas Bolden who encouraged him to keep believing when his future looked uncertain.
"They kept telling me, 'It's not over for you, bro. You're a dog,'" Moten recalled. "That meant everything."
Fatherhood Provides Focus and Strength
Moten's most important role in life doesn't involve pads or a playbook. Five months ago, he became a father – a life-altering moment that has given him new motivation and perspective on life.
"I'm no longer living for myself," Moten said. "I've got to be an example for my kid. I didn't think I could work harder, but when she arrived, I realized I could. Every choice I make now, I think – would my daughter be proud of this?"
Moten would be the first to say that balancing football, classes and fatherhood hasn't been easy, especially since his daughter doesn't live with him in Flagstaff. Given all that is required to be a Division I student-athlete, Moten makes every moment count.
Behind every play, every late-night film session and every long drive back home is a strong support system that Moten says he will never take them for granted. His family and his girlfriend's family are all-in and believe in his dreams. Their loyalty fuels him.
"They drive or fly out to almost every home game with my daughter," he said. "I couldn't ask for a better support system. I love my family – I'll do anything for them."
Lockdown "Island" Corner
On the field, Moten's confidence is just as strong as his faith. Expected to be a veteran presence and to bring experience and leadership, he's done just.
In his first home game in the Walkup Skydome, Moten recorded his first interception as a Lumberjack, shutting down a scoring drive by Utah Tech. Moten has started the last four games at cornerback and has 17 tackles and two pass breakups in six games.
"I've shown I belong out there," he said. "I play with great technique. I'm a playmaker – whenever the play comes to me, I make sure to make it happen."
Moten credits his defensive coaches, Clark and defensive backfield coach
Rodney Brown, for putting him in positions to succeed. As for NAU's defense, he sees a lot of untapped potential.
"We've got a lot of playmakers," Moten said. "Once we put it all together, I think we're one of the best defenses in the FCS."
Moten also models his game after NFL stars Jalen Ramsey, Marshon Lattimore, and Jaire Alexander. "Those are future Hall of Famers right there," he said. "I study their technique, their swag, everything."
Perfectly in line with his role models Jalen Ramsey, Marshon Lattimore and Jaire Alexander, Moten prides himself on his technique and swagger.
"I thrive in man-to-man coverage – I feel like I can take anybody out there on the island."
Faith and Future
Ask Moten how he handles adversity now, and the answer comes with the calm of someone who has been through the fire and come out even stronger.
"I just pray," he said. "I feel like I've been through the bottom. So now, when something happens, I just think this little thing isn't going to break me. I've already been through worse."
Off the field, Moten is majoring in mass communications and dreams of owning a restaurant one day.
On the field, Moten's goals for the sport crystal clear.
"I want to leave a mark here," he said. "I want to be an All-American, first-team All-Big Sky and a great leader, as well as someone my teammates and coaches remember as a good guy. Obviously, the goal is to make it to the league, but no matter what happens, I just want to be a great father, husband and man of faith."
For someone who has traveled the road he's traveled, his dreams are never out of reach.
"Look at my situation – anything is possible if you stay strong in your faith. Trust in your dream, trust in your goal, and keep pushing to make it happen."
