July 25, 2003

Former Tennessee linebackers and agreed to terms with their respective teams Thursday before beginning their NFL careers.

Moore a native of Marion County signed a five-year contract with the Miami Dolphins Thursday a day before the NFL club opens its 2003 training camp, while Whiteside inked with the Indianapolis Colts.

Moore was the first of eight Vols selected in last spring's NFL Draft, and the Dolphins' top pick with the 49th overall selection. UT's eight draft picks tied for most in the NCAA with Miami and Florida. Whiteside was a fifth-round selection by the Colts.

Whiteside and Moore ranked 1-2 respectively in tackles for the Vols' defense that ranked No. 5 nationally in total defense. Whiteside racked up 119 tackles in 2002, while Moore added 119 stops--the first Vol tandem to eclipse 100 tackles in a season since Keith Delong and Kelly Ziegler in 1987. Whiteside's 119 tackles were the most for a UT player since Earnest Fields had 140 in 1990.

The Dolphins open their exhibition game schedule Aug. 8 against defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay. The Colts open training camp Sunday and begin their exhibition slate Aug. 9 at Chicago.