For senior SMU cornerback Sterling Moore, Monday’s Pro Day workout at Gerald J. Ford Stadium was as much for himself as it was for the scouts and coaches in attendance.

Less than four months after surgery to tighten up the tissue around his left kneecap, Moore was one of 11 Mustangs to take part in SMU’s Pro Day workouts for NFL and Canadian Football League scouts and coaches. He tested in three events: the 40-yard dash (4.55), bench press (he lifted the NFL-standard 225 pounds 22 times) and the vertical jump (34 inches, three short of his all-time best mark). At the advice of his doctors, Moore declined to do the broad jump or run any of the shuttle drills that would require him to start and stop and change direction quickly.

Sterling Moore said he grew up a fan of his hometown Oakland Raiders, but said that does not necessarily mean he wants to end up wearing the silver and black (photo by Webmaster).

“I felt good,” Moore said when asked how his repaired knee had held up. “I wanted to come out and get back some of my confidence in my knee, and I did that. I wasn’t exactly sure how well I’d do, but I’m pleased.”

Scouts said Moore ran a 4.55 and a 4.56 on his two attempts at the 40-yard dash, although Moore said someone from one NFL team told him he had clocked a 4.48.

“I just wanted to run in the 4.5s,” Moore said. “Anything in that range, I’d be happy with.”

Moore said doctors also urged him not to take part in the vertical jump, but he did because he “wanted to put a number up there” in the event. That he came within three inches of his career-best leap was encouraging, Moore said.

The injury that sent Moore to the operating table was the third on Moore’s left knee over the last two seasons, making many teams hesitant to reach out to him. But Moore spent some time Monday talking with scouts from several teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, the Oakland Raiders and the San Francisco 49ers.

Moore said scouts told him “that I looked good,” he said. “Of course, everybody asked about the knee. I got to talk to both Bay Area teams, and they said they want to work me out. I don’t know if they’re going to fly me out, but they said they would be in touch with me.”

The Bay Area is home to Moore, who grew up in Oakland.

Like anyone looking for a job, Moore was continually diplomatic, said he has no preference of landing with the Raiders or 49ers over other teams.

“I just want an opportunity,” said Moore, who admitted he grew up a fan of the Raiders. “I only need one team to like me.

“I just want to go to the team that gives me the best opportunity to get on the field. I want the opportunity to work out in front of people and show that my knee is good, and put people’s worries to rest.”