Tag: Rod Moore

Sherrone Moore updates Michigan football injuries, says there could be an OL shakeup

Getting healthier and potentially better. #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan football went from being one of the more healthy teams in college football to suddenly being without multiple key players.

Of course, Rod Moore has to this point been out for the season as he rehabs his spring ACL tear, but we’ve seen several players miss time in the past few weeks. Though Josaiah Stewart and Will Johnson had missed the Minnesota game in Week 5, both returned at Washington in Week 6. But Myles Hinton, Derrick Moore, and Dominick Giudice were all out that game.

As far as that trio is concerned, head coach Sherrone Moore feels like they could be back for this week’s road trip to Illinois.

“It looks like they’re trending all in the right direction,” Moore said. So feel good about them. I think they’ll all practice today. I feel like we’re in a good place with them all.”

Hinton, he surmises, would reprise his role as the starting left tackle, but Giudice may have a battle on his hands with Greg Crippen performing admirably in Seattle. Likewise, Moore says that with Jeff Persi’s performance, they may also take a look at what they can do at right tackle with Evan Link having been inconsistent to this point.

“If Myles is back then Myles will be the starter at left tackle, and then we’ll see at right tackle,” Moore said. “I thought Crip did a really good job. I think he did a really good job controlling the line of scrimmage with the calls —  especially in that environment — being pretty calm. But he’s been a guy that’s that’s traveled to different places, seen it, so it looks like he’ll cement himself there and continue to work there, but we’ll see what happens with Dom.

“And Persi gave some great experience being an older guy, so it gives us a challenge at the other spot to see what he can do.”

As far as other injuries are concerned, Moore says that Rod Moore is progressing but he can’t give a timeline on his return as of yet.

“Still progressing. Can’t really speak on the exact timeline, on the date, but he’s still progressing in a good way,” Moore said. “We’ll see.”

As far as cornerback Ja’Den McBurrows, who had been working at nickel alongside Zeke Berry, he says his injury does appear to be of a long-term variety.

“It looks like it,” Moore said. “We’ll keep working with the doctors.”

Texas-Michigan scouting preview: Big matchups to watch for the 2025 NFL Draft

Texas and Michigan each have many good 2025 NFL Draft prospects, and several will be facing off against one another in Saturday’s big matchup

One of the most anticipated college football matchups of the season will kick off on Saturday afternoon when the Texas Longhorns make their first-ever visit to the state of Michigan to play the host Wolverines in Ann Arbor. All 32 NFL teams are expected to be in attendance to watch the second-ever meeting between the two powerhouse programs, the only prior one coming in the 2005 Rose Bowl.

This one is a scouting bonanza, with several prominent 2025 NFL Draft prospects set to take the field against one another. Texas has 16 players featured on the preseason Senior Bowl watchlist. Michigan touts 14 on the same list.

Some of those top prospects will face off against one another on Saturday. Here’s some of the key draft scouting matchups to watch when Michigan and Texas get it on.

Isaiah Bond vs. Will Johnson

Two potential first-rounders square off on the outside with Bond, an Alabama transfer, coming off an impressive Texas debut. He caught five passes in the Longhorns’ romp over Colorado State, smartly working the middle of the field and showing off nice short-area quickness on the outside. Bond had no trouble getting open last week, though he did have one drop.

Johnson might be the best coverage corner in the country. His size, physicality and ball skills are all elite. Interestingly, Fresno State went at him a little and found some success early on comeback routes. Johnson made them pay with a game-sealing pick-six that showed his anticipation and closing burst, traits that have Johnson almost universally regarded as a top-15 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Bond’s quickness and spritely physicality for a smaller wideout make him a compelling challenge for Johnson.

Quinn Ewers vs. Rod Moore and Makari Page

Ewers is the man throwing the ball to Bond, and he looked very good in the opener. Going into the season, I had concerns about Ewers’ handling pressure and willingness to let it fly with his rifle of a right arm. He didn’t face much pressure, but against the Rams, I thought Ewers saw the field well and showed some chutzpah in staying with his best read.

Moore and Page are a seasoned safety tandem that comfortably works together. Moore is a potential Day 2 pick who considered declaring for the 2024 draft. Page is more of a Day 3 prospect but one with versatility, capable of playing deep coverage or lining up as a slot corner. They’re both smart and sleek in coverage, presenting a difficult test for Ewers as a pocket passer.

Ewers can also run a little, and that puts an onus on the Wolverines safeties to not abandon their responsibilities there, too. The Michigan interior DL tandem of Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, both likely first-round picks in 2025, figure to flush Ewers out of the pocket. Ewers will tuck and run, but he does have the arm strength to unleash a deep throw outside the pocket too.

Kelvin Banks vs. Josaiah Stewart and Derrick Moore

Banks pitched a shutout at left tackle in Texas’ win over Colorado State, but Michigan brings two potential ’25 draftees to the pass rush party. Josaiah Stweart bagged two sacks in Michigan’s win over Fresno State, while Derrick Moore tallied five official QB pressures from PFF’s metrics.

Both Moore and Stewart move around the formation. That means Banks will face different styles and speeds of pass rushers in the game game, a great test for the potential first-rounder. For Moore, it’s an opportunity to show his game is growing by facing off against an accomplished blocker like Banks. Stewart, the better-regarded of the Wolverines prospects, needs to show he can handle Banks’ considerable size in the run game.

It figures to be a great atmosphere and scouting matchup for fans of any team to watch at noon on Saturday.

 

The national sentiment may be changing, but the expectations inside Michigan football never changed

Count out #Michigan at your own risk. #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The national perception of Michigan football just a few short weeks ago was that the Wolverines would fall off similar to LSU after the 2019 season, having completed the climb to a national championship but set to rebuild. However, in recent days, that’s beginning to change.

247Sports’ Clint Brewster noted that if the quarterback situation is right for Michigan, it could repeat as national champions. ESPN’s Greg McElroy reversed course from the earlier sentiment, now noting that the offense appears to be more dynamic and that the Wolverines could be in the thick of another title hunt.

But those in Ann Arbor never wavered, never faltered from that belief.

“I expect a lot from this team,” senior team captain Rod Moore said. “We have a great schedule, great opponents, and I expect us to go do what we did last year and go back to back.”

Michigan didn’t win a national championship last year because it had a cadre of big-time receivers, or quarterback play that saw the passing game take off. Despite having the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL draft in J.J. McCarthy, the passing game was modest, and the team — as it was in the two previous years — was led by defense, a solid offensive line, and a consistent run game.

Last year, even the run game wasn’t as explosive as it was previously. Yet, it was a complementary football team that managed to win against everyone it lined up against.

Much of that has to do with culture as much as it does Xs and Os. Everyone was pulling in the same direction, and this year’s leaders ensure that the culture remains the same.

“(In 2021) coming off of a 2-4 season, they called us into the team meeting room, like, ‘We’re going to do it this way, and if you guys don’t want to do it, then get the get out of here,'” senior team captain Donovan Edwards said. “‘We don’t want you here, and so you’re going to be bought in with it or not.’ I think the my freshman class when I was a freshman, those guys were seniors that we did an amazing job of listening to them and taking the player-led ability that they had to lead us to a Big Ten Championship and make it to the College Football Playoff. Because over the past three years, that’s what it’s all been about. It’s what those guys have laid the foundation for us, and we’re just continuing to add to that blueprint that they gave us.”

That blueprint is still being followed. Whether it’s the ones set by the players back in 2021 or those set forth by former head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Again, Michigan is set to have bruising lines on both sides of the ball, a punishing defense from front to back, a stellar run game, and just enough playmakers on both sides of that ball that will make every opponent — no matter their ranking or expectations — wince.

What’s more, that culture isn’t just intact — it’s growing. As senior team captain and fullback Max Bredeson says, it’s not just because of the schedule early in the season, but the Wolverines are already in championship mode, deploying those habits that led the maize and blue to the proverbial promised land a year ago right now.

“What makes this place so special is that like, every detail is taken into account every day,” Bredeson said. “Like the details of this program is what built it — the way we line up our shoes in the weight room, the way we put down water bottles, our helmets. Every detail is being treated like it’s national championship right now. So the way we keep sticking to that, and it’s shown to work, and we’re proud of the way we handle things. So, excited for every opportunity we get.”

Michigan football names four team captains for 2024 season

Huge honor! Congrats to these guys! #GoBlue

As it is with any team, it’s only going to be as good as its leadership. Looking to the not-so-distant past, the same is true of the Michigan Wolverines, who has had stellar leadership over the course of the past three seasons.

Now, much of that leadership is gone. Mike Sainristil, Trevor Keegan, Zak Zinter, Blake Corum, Kris Jenkins, and Mike Barrett were all stabilizing voices for the maize and blue who have left. Another thing they had in common: they were team captains.

Thus, the Wolverines elected new team captains for the 2024 season. Unsurprisingly, all four who were named are seniors — running back Donovan Edwards, safety Makari Paige, fullback Max Bredeson, and safety Rod Moore.

Three of the four were selected to represent Michigan in Indianapolis for Big Ten media days. The only one who wasn’t was Moore, who is rehabbing from his ACL tear suffered in spring ball.

Like any team, these Wolverines will only go as far as their leadership takes them. It will be interesting to see how these four continue the culture which was established before them.

Michigan football S Rod Moore completes ACL surgery

This is great news! #GoBlue

The most devastating news for Michigan football this offseason was probably not the coaching changes nor has it been anything to do with the transfer portal. It had to do with a star player having an untimely injury early in spring ball.

After announcing he was returning for his senior year instead of entering the NFL draft, safety Rod Moore was expected to build on his already stellar resume. But in the first week of spring practice, Moore had a non-contact injury, tearing his ACL, precluding him from the rest of the offseason practice period and potentially much, if not all, of the 2024 season.

On Thursday, Moore posted to Instagram to share that he finally had successful surgical repair of his ACL and now he’ll begin to work on getting back.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6MVgf1vVFS/?igsh=MWh1NXg0MHY4YXc2Ng==

ACL tears aren’t as decimating as they once were. While Moore could be out for the season, it stands to reason that there’s more of a likelihood that he returns at some point midseason.

Report: Starting Michigan football star suffers significant injury in spring practice

This is a kick in the shin.

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.

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.

LOOK: Star Michigan football national championship players visit Detroit Red Wings

This is probably the only time you’ll see these guys wearing red! #GoBlue

It’s good being No. 1. You’re celebrated by the people that matter and reviled by those who hate you and want to be you. When you’re home, you get a lot more of the former than the latter.

Such is the case for Michigan football and some of the players who plan to return to the 2024 iteration of the Wolverines after winning the national championship.

To the victors go the spoils, and the victors valiant are taking full advantage. Michigan natives Donovan Edwards and Will Johnson joined up with Colston Loveland and Rod Moore to visit the Detroit Red Wings game on Thursday evening and were highlighted by the team’s social media all decked out in Wings gear.

This might be the only time while in college you see any Michigan players wearing the color red!

The visit was arranged by Valiant Management and the NIL outfit included more, including video:

Edwards and Moore had been expected to depart for the NFL but instead chose to return for their senior seasons. If they had left, they likely wouldn’t have been around to be celebrated as such as they would have likely been in a different city training for the NFL combine. Of course, Johnson and Loveland have another year to play before they could depart, but it’s still good to see them making the most out of their post-championship season.

The Red Wings are hosting the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday evening.

Top players who opted to return to college instead of entering the 2024 NFL draft

Top players who opted to return to college instead of entering the 2024 NFL draft

Most of the time when college players make an announcement about their eligibility and the NFL draft, it’s them declaring they’re leaving school and entering the professional ranks. But not everyone leaves early, not even when projected as a potential first round pick.

There are a few college players who opted to stay in the college ranks instead of declaring for the 2024 NFL draft. Here are some of the bigger names who opted to stay in school.

Michigan football S Rod Moore makes NFL draft decision

Will he stay or will he go? #GoBlue

Michigan safety Rod Moore has announced his return for the 2024 season. The Wolverines have received a lot of draft declarations in the last week, but Moore has gone against the grain and will return for his fourth year at Michigan.

Michigan’s recent NIL efforts are likely to thank for Moore’s return to school. The Wolverines have struggled to put together convincing packages in the past, but a recent push from the collectives has produced enough funds to make a convincing push for Moore.

Regardless of how 2024 shakes out, Moore will forever be remembered as one of the biggest recruiting steals in Michigan football history. Moore was rated as a three-star safety by the 247Sports composite, and outside of the top 500 players nationally. He was raised in Ohio and committed to Michigan in the absence of an offer from his in-state Ohio State Buckeyes, who were just an hour away from his high school campus.

Moore was a low-prestige commit and quickly surpassed whatever expectations people had as a true freshman. He recorded 33 total tackles and one pass breakup, but performed well in heavy action against Ohio State and in the Big Ten championship game. Despite a strong freshman campaignm 2022 was when the breakout happened, with Moore recording 71 tackles and four interceptions as a consistent starter. He was banged up to start the 2023 season but finished his 2023 with 142 tackles, seven pass breakups, and six interceptions in his career. Not bad for a kid who was passed up by his in-state team.

Moore’s most memorable play to date was his game-sealing interception against Ohio State in 2023. A fitting end given that Moore was harshly overlooked by the Buckeyes during the recruiting process.

The biggest asset Moore has is his intelligence. It is well documented that he is a film room junkie and has a complete understanding of offensive schemes and how to counter on defense. Returning his ability off the field will be key in the development of younger safeties such as Keon Sabb, Zeke Berry, and Brandyn Hillman.

Pro Football Network sends Vikings DB — not QB — in latest mock draft

Cam Mellor of Pro Football Network sends the Minnesota Vikings some defensive help in the first round, and a host of other players in his latest 7-round mock draft

In somewhat of a surprise, Pro Football Network’s Cam Mellor is going against the grain with his selection for the Minnesota Vikings and sending them some help in the secondary rather than at quarterback. In his latest mock draft, Mellor has the Vikings selecting former Iowa Hawkeyes cornerback Cooper DeJean with the 11th pick.

Here’s what Mellor has to say about the selection:

Iowa cornerbacks are always going to be pro-ready, and that’s just what Cooper DeJean presents for the Minnesota Vikings. A late-season injury forced him out of the Big Ten Championship, but DeJean should be ready to go by minicamp.

He’s a speedster on the outside with plenty of length and burst. DeJean comes fully equipped with elite ball skills and a special teams ability that rivals everyone in this class.

DeJean is an interesting pick for the Vikings here, especially with how the board fell in this scenario. While the Vikings could certainly benefit from help in their secondary, conventional wisdom would say that quarterback is the more pressing need — especially if Kirk Cousins isn’t going to be back healthy next season.

Mellor continued on after the first round and projected the entirety of the 2024 NFL Draft. Here’s who he tabbed for the Vikings in rounds 2 through 7: