'I'm locked in with them': Top Alabama pass-rusher reveals Michigan is emerging as real flip threat

Going into the south and winning recruiting battles with hometown powerhouses and blue bloods isn't easy. We've seen more success in recent years with NIL and the transfer portal being bigger factors, but the Michigan Wolverines still have an uphill battle. Sherrone Moore isn't afraid of taking on Alabama for a top in-state pass-rusher, and he's making some headway.

6-foot-2, 235-pound four-star edge defender Ba'Roc Willis is a risky gamble as far as whether he's worth chasing, but the talent doesn't lie. The consensus four-star committed to the Crimson Tide last summer but wanted to see more of the field when the winter recruitment window opened in January. At the top of his visit list is Michigan.

“I made an early decision, and I learned from that,” Willis told Rivals. “That will help me with my next decision. I will take more time and look at all of the different options.”

Moore's staff is one of a handful who contact him often, and he feels the love. Willis specifically mentioned North Carolina, Florida, and USC, as well. Clemson, Auburn, LSU, and Tennessee have had him on campus or will this fall. He'll start this season at the LSU and Clemson showdown on Aug. 30.

“I talk to someone from those staffs every day. I’m locked in with them—they send motivation, we’re building relationships, and they’re making me feel good. The schools that show me love, I will show it back."

Michigan is certainly a priority when it comes to other in-season trips. On3 went so far as to say, "Michigan entered the picture relatively late, offering Willis in April. But despite the timing, the Wolverines have made him a clear early priority and continue to recruit him with real intent."

“I plan to commit next summer after I take my official visits,” he said. “Player development and relationships will be important. NIL is big now—it’s a part of everyone’s recruitment—but I won’t base my decision off that. I just want to be around coaches who will develop me and make me feel at home.”

Can Moore pull a big upset on someone in Kalen DeBoer's backyard? We'll be following closely as National Signing Day nears in late 2025.