University of North Texas Athletics
Photo by: Tate Hawkins
Agent Zero: Ethan Mooney
8/31/2020 9:18:00 AM | Football
DENTON – A new college football season brings forth many new opportunities, the Mean Green are no exception of that statement. For North Texas a new quarterback will start for the first time since 2016, several new players will make their collegiate debuts at some point and one new number will appear on the field; 0.
In February of this year the NCAA approved the addition of zero to the eligible number list for college football. Social media went into a craze about the announcement and that social media craze was just what got junior kicker Ethan Mooney to right to be the first player to dawn the number in a North Texas uniform.
"I was half joking half serious, I didn't think I had a shot at getting it," Mooney said in regards to a tweet he sent to Assistant Athletic Director for Equipment Operations Mike Villa in February. "I sent the tweet and went on with my day and a week or two later Mike sent a message saying the roster had been updated."
When Mooney checked the new roster his name was at the very top right next to the newly allowed number.
"I was really shocked I got it, but I am hyped to be the first North Texas player to wear 0," Mooney said. "I also think I'm the only kicker wearing it this year so I'm excited to show it off."
Mooney will dawn the new number after earning Honorable Mention All-Conference USA recognition as a sophomore in 2019. The Fort Worth native made 16 field goals, which ranks as the fourth-best single season field goal total in program history, including a 22-yard game-winner against Middle Tennessee on October 19. He also earned Preseason All-Conference recognition last week, but for Mooney the new number and new season doesn't change how he goes about his business.
"I don't think about what number I wear too much," Mooney said. "At the end of the day I don't play for the number on the jersey of the name on the back but for the name on the front."
In regards to the conference recognition, while Mooney is grateful to be recognized for his hard work to this point he knows there is still more to be done.
"I just go out and have fun every day and train like a professional," Mooney said. "I wasn't satisfied with my performance last season and so that is a main piece of motivation for me." The drive to out-perform last season is not the only thing that is driving Mooney towards the opportunity to play this season, back in May the junior lost his grandfather to a heart attack.
"He was always there giving me advice and supporting me," Mooney said of his late grandfather. "This will be the first year for me without him in the stands, but I know he's still watching and I hope to put on a show for him not only this year but the rest of my career."
The rest of his career is something some of his teammates are looking towards, "I've already had a handful of guys come ask me how many years I have left because they want to wear 0."
In February of this year the NCAA approved the addition of zero to the eligible number list for college football. Social media went into a craze about the announcement and that social media craze was just what got junior kicker Ethan Mooney to right to be the first player to dawn the number in a North Texas uniform.
"I was half joking half serious, I didn't think I had a shot at getting it," Mooney said in regards to a tweet he sent to Assistant Athletic Director for Equipment Operations Mike Villa in February. "I sent the tweet and went on with my day and a week or two later Mike sent a message saying the roster had been updated."
When Mooney checked the new roster his name was at the very top right next to the newly allowed number.
"I was really shocked I got it, but I am hyped to be the first North Texas player to wear 0," Mooney said. "I also think I'm the only kicker wearing it this year so I'm excited to show it off."
Mooney will dawn the new number after earning Honorable Mention All-Conference USA recognition as a sophomore in 2019. The Fort Worth native made 16 field goals, which ranks as the fourth-best single season field goal total in program history, including a 22-yard game-winner against Middle Tennessee on October 19. He also earned Preseason All-Conference recognition last week, but for Mooney the new number and new season doesn't change how he goes about his business.
"I don't think about what number I wear too much," Mooney said. "At the end of the day I don't play for the number on the jersey of the name on the back but for the name on the front."
In regards to the conference recognition, while Mooney is grateful to be recognized for his hard work to this point he knows there is still more to be done.
"I just go out and have fun every day and train like a professional," Mooney said. "I wasn't satisfied with my performance last season and so that is a main piece of motivation for me." The drive to out-perform last season is not the only thing that is driving Mooney towards the opportunity to play this season, back in May the junior lost his grandfather to a heart attack.
"He was always there giving me advice and supporting me," Mooney said of his late grandfather. "This will be the first year for me without him in the stands, but I know he's still watching and I hope to put on a show for him not only this year but the rest of my career."
The rest of his career is something some of his teammates are looking towards, "I've already had a handful of guys come ask me how many years I have left because they want to wear 0."
Players Mentioned
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