When rising senior safety Rod Moore declared that he would return for his final season of eligibility, Michigan fans received some incredible news. Makari Paige, a fellow safety, also declared his intention to return to Ann Arbour the following year. The news of the double dip made me wonder if Rod Moore will be Mike Sainristil in 2024.
Although I generally dislike the concept of taking someone out of a position they excel at, in Sainristil’s absence, I believe it makes a lot of sense to make Moore the full-time nickel given how the other pieces fit together.
Paige’s return would pair him with Keon Sabb to form an exceptional, durable, and adaptable safety tandem. Moore may be the nickel there since they could easily manage the workload. Without a doubt, Moore is a fantastic safety, but I believe he adds more worth in an attempt to replace the indispensable Sainristil. Both Sainristil (5-10, 182) and Moore (6-0, 198) have comparable body types and skill sets. Both are skilled leaders with a lot of experience, very physical—much more than you may think—and sticky in coverage. Several real Michigan coaches have referred to Moore and Sainristil
Naturally, Will Johnson is a lock for a cornerback position and could be the finest returning cover player in the nation. Josh Wallace’s NFL Draft announcement has left the position opposite Johnson empty once more, but there are a few players on the team who have the ability to take it over, including DJ Waller and Ja’Den McBurrows.
as coaches on the field, and both possess a talent for being in the right position at the right time and around.
Moving Moore to nickel, in my opinion, accomplishes the objective of getting your five best secondary players on the field at the same time. Moore, Paige, and Sabb are all on the field at all times if he is at the nickel, as opposed to switching between the two safety positions. Since Johnson won’t be leaving the field, the focus will be on either a current Wolverine or an incoming transfer to take Johnson’s place at cornerback. Josh Wallace filled in admirably for Michigan in that exact position heading into the 2023 campaign, helping the team establish itself as the top defence in the nation. Even though the Wolverines’ top defence is losing a lot, there are enough returning players .
