The Michigan defense will need to replace some significant talent during the off-season, particularly with the loss of guys like Will Johnson and Mason Graham – two projected first-rounders who’ve already declared. But there are still a couple of key pieces to the Michigan defense that have yet to make a decision, including veteran defensive back Rod Moore.

After an impressive junior season, Moore optied to return for one more year at Michigan as opposed to heading off for the NFL. But an injury during the spring brought Moore’s 2024 season to an end before it began, sidelining the veteran DB for the entire year. Given the fact that he was unable to contribute on the field, there’s growing optimism that Moore could decide to use one more year of eligiblity in Ann Arbor.

Speaking with Angelique Chengelis of The Detroit News, Moore said he’s still going through the process of making a decision. “I haven’t made that decision yet fully,” Moore told Chengelis.

If Moore does ultimately decide to return for one more year at Michigan, it would be huge for the Wolverine defense. Although the secondary is expected to return some experienced talent in guys like Zeke Berry, Jyaire Hill, and Brandyn Hillman, there’s no question that having Moore back in the lineup would provide a huge boost to the Michigan defense in 2025.

CAREER HIGHS

• Tackles: 14 – vs. Purdue (Dec. 3, 2022)
• Solos: 9 – vs. Purdue (Dec. 3, 2022)
• Asst: 5 – vs. Purdue (Dec. 3, 2022)
• TFLs: 1.0, 2x – last at Penn State (Nov. 11, 2023)
• Sacks: 0.5 – vs. Colorado State (Sept. 3, 2022)
• Int: 1, 6x – last vs. Ohio State (Nov. 25, 2023)
• FR: none
• PBUs: 2 – at Ohio State (Nov. 26, 2022)

At Michigan
• Two-time All-Big Ten selection (third team, coaches, 2023; honorable mention, media, 2022-23)
• Shared team Defensive Rookie of the Year honors (2021); named Special Teams Rookie of the Year (2022)
• Three-time letterman (2021-22-23)
• Has appeared in 37 games with 27 starts 

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