Dezman Moses tackles wide receiver Brandon Tate in last week’s victory over the Bengals. Credit: Associated Press

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Green Bay - Dezman Moses doesn't like to think about the guy he once was. He was selfish, immature, troubled.

Honestly, looking back isn't a lot of fun.

But every now and then a little reflection helps Moses appreciate where he is today.

Moses, a rookie outside linebacker, has been one of the stars of Green Bay's training camp. And barring a major upset, Moses will become the latest undrafted player to buck the odds and make the Packers' 53-man roster.

"I think we're all excited about his football," Packer coach Mike McCarthy said Sunday. "He's a tough football player. He's still a very young, raw player."

And a player who's traveled a route that's certainly had its share of turbulence.

Moses had it all going coming out of Willingboro (N.J.) High. He was a four-year letterman in football, basketball and baseball. He had scholarship offers in all three.

But football was his calling card.

Moses was a 220-pound linebacker who terrorized offenses and drew the attention of several NCAA Division I schools. Moses wanted to play for hometown Rutgers, but when the Scarlet Knights were slow to offer, Moses picked Iowa.

"I was 18 years old and thought I had it all figured out," Moses said.

He didn't.

Moses was buried on the bench with the Hawkeyes. He played in just four games as a sophomore and made three tackles. Five underclassmen linebackers were ahead of him.

Moses also was arrested for public intoxication in September 2008 and suspended four games. Late that season, Moses decided Iowa wasn't for him.

"I was just really immature at that point," Moses said. "I was in a tough situation. I was a backup guy and I didn't have the right mind-set.

"But it was all a learning experience and I wouldn't take anything back from it because it made me who I am today."

Moses said he had "lots of offers, but not a lot of people wanted to pull the trigger" when he left Iowa City. Moses' grades were fine, but schools were worried about his attitude and recent arrest.

Finally, Tulane stepped forward and Moses jumped at the opportunity.

"I always believe everything happens for a reason," Moses said.

Moses (6 foot 2, 249 pounds) was an outside linebacker in Iowa's 3-4 scheme. But at Tulane, he became a 4-3 defensive end.

Moses blossomed with the Green Wave, compiling 15½ sacks in just two seasons, including 9½ as a senior. He also had 114 tackles, 24½ tackles for loss, six forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries during his time at Tulane.

But many scouts didn't think Moses could convert back to outside linebacker, largely because his 40-yard dash time ranged between 4.82 and 4.93 seconds.

Draft weekend was painful for Moses, who never heard his name announced. But three teams called, including New Orleans, which wanted to move Moses to fullback.

"That's just another thing that gave me an edge, gave me a chip," Moses said of being asked to change positions.

Moses believed his best chance came in Green Bay, which had shown plenty of interest before the draft. Turns out, he was probably right.

"Well, I felt . . . from Day 1 he was pretty natural at the outside linebacker position," McCarthy said. "I've seen him improve on special teams, particularly things that he hasn't been asked to do. He's a raw young player that's getting better. . . . I think he's grown."

Moses was a sensation during the organized team activities and June minicamp. Those are practices with no pads, so much doubt remained.

In training camp, Moses has continued to shine. His pass rushing skills have been impressive, he's been solid against the run and covered better than anticipated.

"This is what I've always wanted to do all my life," Moses said. "To be here and have this opportunity, I'm so grateful. I don't take any day for granted - any meeting, any practice.

"When I go out there, what you put on film, that's you, that's your résumé. Whenever I go out there, I take it very personal. I want to show everybody the type of player I am.

"I still have a chip on my shoulder. I was undrafted and I felt that I was a better player than some other guys. You have to think that to play this game because it's very competitive. Whenever I go out there, I play as hard as I possibly can."

Moses was extremely impressive in Green Bay's 27-13 win over Cincinnati on Aug. 23. He led the Packers with four tackles, had a pressure of quarterback Bruce Gradkowski and knocked down a pass.

In addition, Moses has taken a big leap on special teams and is on all four units there.

Right now, it's hard to imagine Moses not being part of the final 53. But he's not taking anything for granted.

"Nothing is guaranteed. This is the National Football League," Moses said. "No one is promised anything, even vets, so I never relax. I never let any complacency set in, just because that's the way you have bad days or off-practices."

That work ethic and focus was formed after a rocky two years at Iowa that Moses called "humbling." And while Moses' time there wasn't always pleasant, he's grateful for it today.

"I'm much more of a team guy now, humbled," Moses said. "I felt like (Iowa) owed me something. Now, I feel like I owe everything to (Green Bay) for this opportunity. I'm so blessed to be here."

Apparently, so are the Packers.