Just when it seems everything is going well for Michigan football, it all comes crashing down.
The Wolverines are a week into spring ball and the most important thing is to emerge unscathed, with all players healthy and ready to partake in summer conditioning and then fall camp. But one star player for the maize and blue reportedly won’t have that opportunity and is likely out for the 2024 season.
According to 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz, senior safety Rod Moore — the hero of the 2023 Ohio State game with the game-sealing interception — suffered a torn ACL in practice, likely precluding him from play this upcoming season.
Some unfortunate injury news: Michigan standout safety Rod Moore suffered a torn ACL during the Wolverines’ practice yesterday, sources tell @247Sports.
Moore, a starter for Michigan each of the last three years, was an All-Big Ten selection last season.https://t.co/WusziO07Bj pic.twitter.com/rX11Yiwrip
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) March 26, 2024
An Ohio native, Moore returned for his senior season despite many believing it to be likely for him to enter the 2024 NFL draft. With Moore returning along with fifth-year safety Makari Paige, Michigan looked to be solid at safety — which may have contributed to Keon Sabb transferring to Alabama.
The good news for Michigan is Quinten Johnson exited the draft to return for his sixth year. If he, Zeke Berry, and Brandyn Hillman can fill Moore’s role, then the Wolverines will be in good position.
As for Moore, he’ll have another decision to make: get better as fast as he can and potentially make a return late in 2024? Sit and rehab and focus on next season? Or even depart Michigan and try his hand at the NFL once he’s recovered.