The senior safety talks about his chance to mentor the new guys and who could break out in 2024.
The Michigan defense got some great news back in January when senior safety Rod Moore announced he’d be returning for one final season. However, that optimism quickly faded when news broke that Moore tore his ACL and required surgery this offseason.
Road to recovery☝ … Just came through surgery and it all went great! Wanted to take this time to thank everyone for their love and support. My Michigan brothers, Friends, training staff, coaches, my parents, my family, fans, Dr Ellatrache and Elite Ortho. God First ! pic.twitter.com/qEu5j6KDwA
— Rod moore 9️⃣4L (@Rodmoorejr) April 25, 2024
Moore had been a fixture in Michigan’s defense the last three seasons, starting 27 of 37 games and earning All-Big Ten honors in 2022 and 2023. He also sealed Michigan’s victory against Ohio State in 2023 with an interception in the game’s final minute.
Unsurprisingly, Moore figured to play a big role on the field in 2024 for a defense that lost a handful of key contributors in the secondary. Speaking with The Wolverine , Moore didn’t completely rule out a return to the field in 2024, but made it seem like a long shot.
“I’m not really pushing for it, but I want to push for it. If my knee and my recovery allows me to do it, then I’ll do it,” Moore said.
Despite the long recovery road in front of him, Moore is eager to still play a role for the team. Specifically, he’s looking to be a resource for the team’s younger players, much like the veterans were for him when he first got to campus.
“I came in as a freshman, and we all didn’t know the play book, but I had guys like Dax (Hill), Brad (Hawkins), DJ (Turner) helping me,” Moore said. “They saw the talent that I had, and I see the talent in the room. It’s good to have somebody that helps you, especially when you’re coming in and trying to learn the play book.”
Moore’s leadership and the ability to be a resource for others will certainly be important, especially given his experience in Michigan’s Ravens-like defensive system. And while Michigan’s secondary returns Will Johnson, Makari Paige and Quinten Johnson, depth is thin behind them.
As such, Michigan brought in a handful of transfers, like safeties Wesley Walker and Jaden Mangham, as well as cornerbacks Aamir Hall and Ricky Johnson. Fortunately, it sounds like those guys are getting up to speed, but Moore is still there to support them.
“They may have questions, but it’s been pretty good, because they already know what to do. Like Wes, Aamir, they’re going to be really good,” Moore said.
In addition to the transfers, Moore also mentioned Paige as a standout as a big returning player this year.
“Makari is all the way overlooked,” Moore said. “You see how big he is, he’s 6-4, and he can move, too. Makari is probably one of the hardest hitters on the team. He’s smart, too.”
He also shouted out out corners Jyaire Hill and Ja’Den McBurrows.
“(Hill is) long, and he’s fast. He’s sneaky fast — you wouldn’t think he’s fast, but he just knows how to play corner. He’s a raw corner,” Moore said.
McBurrows, meanwhile, could play the slot this season, but also has the flexibility to play on the boundary as well.
Finally, Zeke Berry earned some kudos from Moore. The junior defensive back impressed in the spring game and can contribute at both safety and in the slot this year.
“Zeke is going to impact the team this year,” Moore said.
While it’s certainly a bummer we very likely won’t see Moore on the field this year, it’s great to know he’s still looking to play a big role for his teammates from the sideline, much like Ronnie Bell did during the 2021 season. It’s also great to hear a handful of other players seem poised to play pivotal roles in Moore’s absence. Michigan has the tools to have one of the nation’s best defenses once again, but it’ll all be about putting things together with the new guys.