Rod Moore

For the Australian rugby union player, see Rod Moore (rugby union).
Rod Moore
Moore with Michigan in 2024
Michigan Wolverines – No. 9
PositionDefensive back
ClassSenior
Personal information
Born: (2003-07-03) July 3, 2003 (age 21)
Height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight198 lb (90 kg)
Career history
College
Bowl games
High schoolNorthmont (Clayton, Ohio)
Career highlights and awards

Roderick Moore Jr. (born July 3, 2003) is an American football defensive back for the Michigan Wolverines. He was an All-Big Ten selection, winning three consecutive Big Ten Conference titles and a national championship in 2023.

High school career

Moore attended Northmont High School in Clayton, Ohio. As a junior, Moore recorded 85 tackles, four interceptions, and three forced fumbles.[1] As a senior Moore was named All-State, finishing the covid-19 shortened season with 68 tackles and an interception. He also caught 28 passes for 440 yards and 8 touchdowns.[2]

While still in high school, Moore ran a 40 yard dash in 4.38 seconds at a Pittsburgh Panthers recruiting camp.[3] 247Sports rated him as four-star recruit, and the #12 ranked player in Ohio. Moore committed to play college football at the University of Michigan.[4][5][6]

College career

Freshman season

In 2021, Moore enrolled at the University of Michigan, playing in 11 games, with four starts. His first career start came against Penn State on November 13, where he would total six tackles.[7] On November 27 versus Ohio State, Moore again started, collecting nine tackles and establishing his role in the Michigan defense.[8][9] He finished his freshman season with a total of 33 tackles, and shared team Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.[10]

Sophomore season

In 2022, Moore appeared in all 14 games, starting in 13. On September 3, in the first game of the season against Colorado State, Moore recorded his first career interception.[11] During the 2022 Big Ten Championship Game, he posted a career-high 14 tackles.[12] In the 2022 Fiesta Bowl, he led the team in tackles with 12, and recorded an interception.[13] Moore ended his sophomore season with 71 tackles and a team high four interceptions.[14] Moore was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection.

Junior season

Moore (No. 9) in the 2024 Rose Bowl

In 2023, Moore was listed as the preseason #5 ranked safety in college football, after being named an All-American honorable mention by Pro Football Focus as a sophomore.[15] As a junior, Moore helped Michigan win a third consecutive Big Ten conference title, and a national championship.

His most glorious moment came against Ohio State, on November 25. Moore recorded the game-ending interception, intercepting Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord on the Buckeyes' final drive.[16]

Moore started 11 games for the wolverines, finishing the season with 38 tackles and 2 interceptions. [17] He was a Third-team All-Big Ten selection.

Senior season

Following Michigan’s national championship celebration, Moore announced he was returning for his senior season in 2024. Pro Football Focus named Moore as the best safety in college football to turn down the 2024 NFL draft.[18]

On March 25, 2024, Moore suffered a torn ACL during spring practice.[19] Despite his injury, he was voted as a team captain for the 2024 season.[20][21]

References

  1. ^ Jablonski, David. "Northmont safety from 2021 class commits to Michigan". dayton-daily-news. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
  2. ^ Frantz, Eric; Writer, Contributing. "National Signing Day: Northmont's touted trio highlights group of area signees". dayton-daily-news. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
  3. ^ Sang, Orion. "Michigan football's latest commit Rod Moore stunned Pittsburgh's staff with 4.38 speed". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
  4. ^ "Rod Moore Recruiting Profile". 247Sports.
  5. ^ "Three-star safety Rod Moore commits to Michigan football for 2021". The Detroit News. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
  6. ^ "2021 3-star safety Rod Moore commits to Michigan". The Blade. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
  7. ^ Zuke, Ryan (November 17, 2021). "How freshman Rod Moore earned a bigger role in Michigan's secondary". mlive. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
  8. ^ Meek, Austin. "Next man up: Michigan's Rod Moore tries to stay on the fast track at safety". The Athletic. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
  9. ^ "Northmont grad looking to help Michigan advance in College Football Playoff". WHIO TV 7 and WHIO Radio. December 23, 2021. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
  10. ^ McMann, Aaron (July 22, 2022). "Michigan DB Rod Moore set to return, hungry for camp battle". mlive. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
  11. ^ Sayfie, Clayton (September 6, 2022). "Michigan safety Rod Moore talks interception, pass rush, 'fast' defense, more". On3. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
  12. ^ "Michigan Captures Second Straight Big Ten Title After Big Second Half Derails Purdue". University of Michigan Athletics. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
  13. ^ Scotty_White (January 1, 2023). "Game balls from Michigan's heartbreaker in the Fiesta Bowl". Maize n Brew. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
  14. ^ Mangum, Chris (February 25, 2023). "Rod Moore named the best all-around safety in the nation". Blue By Ninety. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
  15. ^ "Top 10 Returning Safeties in College Football for the 2023 Season". Pro Football Focus.
  16. ^ "Look: Michigan football secures win vs. Ohio State with Rod Moore INT of Kyle McCord". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  17. ^ "Rod Moore". Sports Reference-CFB.
  18. ^ "College Football: The Best Prospect at Every Position Who Turned Down the 2024 NFL Draft". Pro Football Focus.
  19. ^ "Moore to Miss Significant Time Due to Injury". Rivals.
  20. ^ "Michigan football announces 2024 team captains". Maize n Brew.
  21. ^ "Michigan football's 4 captains for 2024 aim to follow blueprint for success". Mlive.
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