Every coach talks about getting through spring practices without injuries and the season-ending injury suffered by Michigan football safety Rod Moore on Sunday is why.
It was a non-contact injury and just a freak thing. It’s devastating for Moore, who was expected to enter the NFL draft after this season. He chose to stay at Michigan football for one more year, although he likely would have been a day-two pick in April’s draft.
Now, Moore will have to recover and if he’s not able to play this season, that could mean another year with the Wolverines or going to the draft less than 100 percent.
Either way, it’s heartbreaking for Moore, who is most known for his game-clinching interception against Ohio State. Beyond that, Michigan is losing one of the best defensive backs in college football. Moore has been a three-year starter and is a two-time All-Big Ten selection.
Injuries happen though and nobody will feel sorry for the defending national champs. So what’s next for Michigan football in the secondary? We break it down.
How can the Wolverines replace Rod Moore?
You aren’t just going to replace Rod Moore. The dude is special. That’s why he intercepted seven passes over the past two seasons. He has a knack for finding the ball and is great at getting dudes to the ground.
This entire Michigan footbal program excels at that — blocking and tackling — but it helps when you have elite athletes like Moore, trying to tackle other elite athletes.
I saw some posts on social media about trying to lure Caleb Downs to Michigan football or bringing back Keon Sabb. That’s nice to dream about, but it’s a pipe dream. It’s about as likely as the NCAA “dropping the hammer” or Mason Graham leaving Michigan football.
In other words, don’t hold your breath.
Michigan will turn to players already on the roster. A transfer portal addition this spring is always possible, but it’s more likely that the replacement comes from within.
Likely replacements on Michgan football roster for Rod Moore
Quentin Johnson coming back is even more important now. He will probably start next to Makari Paige. Keep an eye on Zeke Berry though. The former top-200 recruit in the 247 Sports composite rankings only saw three games on defense last season, but he’ll have a huge opportunity this spring. The same can be said about sophomore Brandyn Hillman.
Hillman played in nine games. He’s 6-foot-2, 200 pounds. Berry, a junior, is 5-foot-11, 185 pounds. I have thought Berry would be perfect for the nickel role if Michigan football wants to play a third safety but now, it feels like Ja’Den McBurrows will get the first shot there.
That works as long as Jyaire Hill and DJ Waller are ready to play on the outside. Sherrone Moore mentioned both players last week as guys who have stepped up, which is a good sign.
Now, Michigan football needs Berry and Hillman to step up in Moore’s absence. That’s the best path forward and it’s up to secondary coach Lamar Morgan to get those guys ready.
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