Once rated as a three-star safety, Michigan football star Rod Moore is one of the Wolverines’ top defensive players, even picking off Kyle McCord in “The Game” to seal a 30-24 victory over Ohio State — his home-state school. After the 2023 season, Moore will have a big NFL Draft decision to make, and while his main focus remains on the Rose Bowl, he told reporters on Thursday that a return to Michigan is in the cards next fall.
Michigan football star Rod Moore considering coming back to U-M
Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive back Rod Moore (19) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Will Rod Moore move to the NFL? Will he stay with Michigan football? Only time will tell, but for the time being, the Wolverines have one of the best safeties in college football.
During the second day of Rose Bowl week, Moore met with the media, where he had a chance to speak about what might come next for him in the winged helmet.
“(Staying at Michigan) is a possibility. I’ve thought about it a little bit, but I just really want to focus on what’s going on right now, especially this game that’s coming up,” he said. “I don’t want to cloud my mind with my personal future. I just want to do what I want to be able to do for this team at the time being.”
Rose Bowl could sway NFL Draft stock for Moore, others
Nov 13, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive back Rod Moore (19) tackles Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Parker Washington (3) during the first quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
A few Michigan football players have told me that facing Alabama in the Rose Bowl is a “money game,” and earlier today, Rod Moore expressed more of the same. When it comes to boosting NFL Draft stock, it’s hard to get a better matchup than facing the Crimson Tide in a College Football Playoff semi-final bout.
“I don’t think the four-star or five-star plays any part of it,” the Michigan football star said ahead of the Rose Bowl. “I think it plays a part of it of the team and game it is. I think that’s what could elevate my draft stock which is making plays in a game like this. Especially in the next game, whoever wins this and goes to the National Championship, both of those games can elevate anyone’s draft stock if you make those type of plays in that type of game.”
Lots of NFL decisions to make soon
All eyes remain fixed on the coming Rose Bowl, though Michigan football standouts like Rod Moore are about to face a massive decision, and it appears there is a chance that they stay for the 2024 season.
Moore is a two-time letter winner and a two time All-Big Ten selection — he has appeared in 35 games for Michigan, making 25 starts.
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