So sad : Michigan wolverines are force to add an impact DB because of….

Rod Moore sudden injury has force Michigan to add an impact DB   

 

 

Not too long ago, the Wolverines appeared poised to boast one of the nation’s top secondaries. However,

recent developments, including a transfer and an injury, have left Michigan’s defensive backfield with more uncertainty.

First-year Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore has faced a challenging offseason, and matters worsened this week when

All-Big Ten safety Rod Moore suffered a torn ACL during spring practice, as reported by 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz.

Losing Moore is a significant setback on its own, but his injury, potentially sidelining him for the entire 2024 season, compounds Michigan’s roster woes.

The secondary was expected to be a strength for Michigan heading into the 2024 season, especially following a national championship win. Although

versatile defensive player Mike Sainristil departed for the NFL, the core of the group, featuring junior cornerback Will Johnson alongside Moore, Makari Paige,

and Keon Sabb at safety, was anticipated to return. This quartet provided new Michigan defensive backs coach Lamar Morgan with a solid foundation to work with.

Only a few months after the national championship game, half of that

secondary unit won’t be available for the season opener due to Moore’s injury and Sabb’s transfer to Alabama.

As a result, while Johnson and Paige remain crucial components, the Wolverines will probably need to seek external reinforcements to strengthen the secondary.

However, this wasn’t entirely unexpected, as Michigan had already secured a silent commitment from

Western Kentucky transfer Upton Stout during the winter transfer portal period, according to a source.

The Michigan coaching staff initially considered Stout, a four-star transfer, as an ideal replacement for Sainristil in the nickel position.

 

However, despite Stout’s initial commitment, he ultimately returned to Western Kentucky due to a compelling NIL offer.

During the winter portal window, amid uncertainty surrounding Jim Harbaugh’s future with the program, Michigan couldn’t bolster the secondary before available options dwindled.

At the time, Stout seemed like a luxury addition for a group that was already expected to be strong. Now, securing someone similar to him in the spring transfer portal is seen as essential.

Internally, Michigan has some candidates to consider. Sophomores DJ Waller and  Hill showed promise as true freshmen last season and will compete for the cornerback spot opposite Johnson, while senior Ja’Den McBurrows is likely to fill Sainristil’s role.

There are also internal options at safety, with sophomore Brandyn Hillman demonstrating potential last season as a true freshman.

However, these options primarily rely on potential rather than proven production,

highlighting the shift from the unit’s previously high expectations just a few months ago.

Formerly boasting the Big Ten’s best safety trio, including Sabb, Michigan now faces the need for an infusion of talent at safety following Moore’s injury.

 

 

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