Tag: Rod Moore

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:

10 prospects to watch for Packers fans in CFB National Championship game

Here are 10 names for Green Bay Packers fans to watch tonight.

The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft is 108 days away and the National Championship matchup between the University of Washington and Michigan features five prospects that have a real shot of hearing their name called on April 25th. 

Rome Odunze, Washington’s No. 1 wide receiver could be the third wide receiver off the board and he’ll likely go in the Top 15. 

Teams in search of a quarterback that miss out on Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels will likely turn to Washington’s Michael Penix Jr or Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy.

In the trenches, Washington’s left tackle Troy Fautanu has a realistic shot of being a first-round pick. Bralen Trice, one of Washington’s talented edge rushers also has first-round aspirations.

Those five are the headliners in a National Championship game that features plenty of talented NFL Draft prospects. Here are 10 names for Green Bay Packers fans to watch tonight.

Dominique Hampton, DB, Washington

Hampton is a versatile safety that can line up in the slot, in the box or deep. He has outstanding size and length for the position. Hampton enters the matchup tonight with 99 tackles, two interceptions and six pass deflections. 

Dillon Johnson, RB, Washington

Johnson is hard-nosed and slippery. He keeps his legs driving through contact and always seems to fall forward. According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson picked up 673 yards after contact this season.

Rod Moore, S, Michigan

Will he stay or will he go? The Michigan safety missed the beginning of the season and started off slow. The rust started to wear off and he’s recorded 15 tackles and one interception over the past three games. With a strong showing against Washington’s aerial attack, Moore could vault for the NFL and be a day-three target for the Packers.

LaDarius Henderson, OL, Michigan

Henderson has tackle-guard versatility. Michigan’s starting left tackle and the Arizona State transfer has taken snaps at every position along the offensive line except for center. With his length and versatility, Henderson could be the next day three offensive lineman the Packers target.

Donovan Edwards, RB, Michigan

Edwards is an explosive runner and a weapon in the passing game. He enters the game with 68 career receptions and three receiving touchdowns. While a dynamic threat, Edwards is averaging just 3.5 yards per carry this season and could opt to return to school. If he declares, Edwards could be a versatile and dynamic weapon for the Packers.

Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington

Like Henderson, Fautanu offers tackle-guard versatility. Unlike Henderson though, Fautanu is a Top 50 prospect and could be a potential target for the Packers with the New York Jets’ second-round pick. The Washington left tackle has quick feet and the lateral quickness to stick at left tackle on Sundays.

Kris Jenkins, DL, Michigan

The man nicknamed The Mutant and the nephew of Cullen Jenkins, is a powerful defensive lineman. To go along with all that raw power, Jenkins is quick out of his stance, showcasing explosive movements to get upfield quickly and disrupt the action in the backfield.

Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Edge, Washington

The Washington edge rusher’s calling card is his power. He has adequate initial quickness and converts speed to power. ZTF projects as a late-day three selection and would provide quality depth behind Rashan Gary, Preston Smith and Lukas Van Ness.

Trevor Keegan, G, Michigan

The Michigan starter at left guard, Keegan has been a brick wall in pass protection this season. According to PFF, Keegan has given up zero sacks this season and yielded just 11 pressures. A year after drafting zero offensive linemen, Brian Gutekunst could target Keegan to add depth along the interior of the offensive line.

Edefuan Ulofoshio, LB, Washington

From walk-on to captain, Ulofoshio plays with the relentless play style that Green Bay’s defense occasionally lacks. With his competitive spirit, football IQ and leadership, Ulofoshio could be a day-three target for the Packers as they look to improve on special teams and potentially replace De’Vondre Campbell.

Michigan’s late pick delivers knockout blow to Ohio State

Michigan upends Ohio State in stirring game for Big Ten East title

Michigan took over the football Saturday at its 25 after Ohio State scored a touchdown to close within three points.

The Wolverines went on a rivalry-defining march, eating seven minutes out of the remaining 8:05 before kicking a field goal to seal a 30-24 victory.

The win finished a 12-0 regular season and sends Michigan to Saturday’s Big Ten Championship Game against Iowa.

Ohio State had a last-gasp drive. It benefited on a review call after a catch by Julian Fleming and fumble recovery by Emeka Egbuka.

On the next play, Kent McCord threw a pick while under pressure.

Rod Moore collected the interception and that ended any hope Ohio State had as Michigan won its third straight over the Buckeyes.

Report: Multiple Chargers scouts in attendance for Michigan-Penn State

The Chargers were well represented at the Big 10 showdown between Michigan and Penn State.

The Chargers scouting department is hard at work looking to bring in talent for the future. And two teams that piqued their interest this weekend were the Michigan Wolverines and Penn State Nittany Lions.

According to ESPN’s Jordan Reid, Los Angeles had “multiple representatives” in attendance for Saturday’s showdown between the two prestigious schools.

It remains to be seen who they had their eyes on specifically, but here are a handful of prospects that could’ve been on their radar.

  • RB Blake Corum, Michigan
  • RB Donovan Edwards, Michigan
  • S Rod Moore, Michigan
  • DT Kris Jenkins, Michigan
  • EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State
  • CB Kalen King, Penn State
  • EDGE Adisa Isaac, Penn State

Midseason draft stock report: Biggest risers from the start of the college season

Midseason 2024 NFL draft stock report: Biggest risers from the start of the college season

The college football season is now in the back half of the year, believe it or not. We’re into the eighth weekend of college ball.

That’s enough time to find the players who have really boosted their potential 2024 NFL draft stock on the field thus far. Some of them are known commodities who have shown more skill and NFL traits. Others are guys who came from out of the relative nowhere to command a lot more draft respect and attention.

This is reflective of my personal big board, which doesn’t necessarily match everyone else’s rankings. We’re all exposed to different players in different doses and times, after all…