Michigan defensive end TJ Guy has high expectations for himself and Derrick Moore heading into the 2025 campaign, telling the media their ability to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks and offensive linemen can be “scary”:
Michigan Wolverines defensive end TJ Guy has high expectations for himself and teammate Derrick Moore heading into the 2025 campaign. And for good reason — Guy, a fifth-year senior, racked up 5.5 sacks in a reserve role in 2024, while Moore had four sacks of his own.
With both of them back for the 2025 season, Guy recently told the media that their ability to create pressure could be scary for opposing offensive linemen.
“We can be scary. We’re going to work with each other very well with how we rush as two different types of players,” Guy said. “I think we’re going to complement each other very well. I see a lot of production.”
The Wolverines lost sacks leader Josaiah Stewart to graduation, along with All-Big Ten defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant to the NFL Draft . Guy and Moore are primed to take on the challenge of leading the defensive front.
Both players displayed flashes of brilliance in Michigan’s win over the Alabama Crimson Tide in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Moore recorded four tackles, two sacks, and one fumble recovery, while Guy totaled three tackles in the season-ending win.
With three defensive line starters on the sideline, the matchup against Alabama provided a glimpse into what the Wolverines’ starting defensive ends could look like in 2025. And they proved the potential to disrupt opponents is palpable.
“There were huge pieces that we lost on our defensive line, so we know what we have to do to still be a good defense,” Guy said. “We know that no matter how the season goes, we take pride in our defense. That’s just how our DNA is built.”
Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore expressed his excitement about the return of Guy and Moore , emphasizing how pivotal their presence will be in 2025 as they bring back a wealth of experience, leadership and talent.
Sherrone Moore told me why it was so key for #Michigan to retain defensive end tandem TJ Guy and Derrick Moore.
“Huge for the experience, and from a talent and leadership standpoint. I think they will be a dynamic duo next year.”https://t.co/RslzzAuE19 pic.twitter.com/Wn5ZA0hlPG
— Chas Post (@chas_post23) March 27, 2025
“Huge for the experience, and from a talent standpoint and a leadership standpoint,” Moore said. “I’m very proud of them, and it was important that we got both of those guys back. I think they will be a dynamic duo next year.”
Moore also mentioned Guy and Moore have both taken significant steps as leaders, setting an example for the entire group. That leadership should pay off as younger players like Cameron Brandt and Dominic Nichols prepare to take on bigger roles moving forward.
“One of my coaches told me that leadership defines you,” Guy said. “I’m not thinking too much about how my role is going to change, but more about the impact I have on my new and young teammates, and being a good example for them.”
In speaking with the media on Monday, defensive line coach Lou Esposito agreed with Moore’s assessment of those two guys taking a step in the leadership department.
“They’ve played so much football here, they’ve seen so many different things, and the thing that has jumped out to me is the leadership,” Esposito said. “They’ve done an unbelievable job with leadership. Derrick Moore is calling the defense up, TJ Guy is calling the defense up. Those guys have been great leaders, and they feel the same way we do — at the end of the day last year, we didn’t perform to where we wanna be, and they’re gonna do everything in their power so that doesn’t happen again, which has been great.”
With the regular season opener less than five months away, Guy and Moore seem more than ready to lead the new-look pass rush by using their dynamic blend of knowledge, physicality and tenacity, which should be frightening for opponents.