ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines defensive back Rod Moore said the Wolverines are experiencing a renewed sense of structure and accountability as spring practice begins under a new coaching staff.
Moore, a veteran who has played under three different staffs, said the current regime brings a stricter, more disciplined approach reminiscent of successful eras past.
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“It’s a lot more strict than the past two years,” Moore said. “The weight room has kind of been a night-and-day difference. We feel a lot stronger, a lot more progress.”
Moore added that the team has seen improvements not only physically, but also in day-to-day operations.
Meetings now emphasize punctuality, with players expected to arrive early and be fully prepared, per Moore.
“It’s the little things that make a team great,” Moore said. “Not just the big, broad things that everyone else sees.”
Defense
Defensively, Moore said the scheme remains familiar but includes subtle adjustments in terminology and technique.
“It’s very similar, just different wording,” Moore said. “There are little tweaks in how he wants us to play, but overall it looks the same.”
Moore believes the secondary, in particular, has the potential to take a significant step forward this season due to improved depth and talent.
“Our secondary is going to be way better than it’s been the past two years,” Moore said.
Knee recovery
The veteran safety also discussed his recovery from a knee injury that limited him last season.
After playing through pain, including receiving a cortisone injection prior to a game against Wisconsin last season, Moore underwent a cleanup procedure in January to remove scar tissue.
He said the results have been encouraging.
“I probably feel the best that I’ve felt since I tore my ACL,” Moore said. “There were times I didn’t think my knee would feel normal again, but now I can say I’ll be back.”
Moore is currently nearing a full return to practice and expects to be ready for the upcoming season.
6th season
Entering his sixth and final year with the program, Moore said the stakes are high as he looks ahead to his future and one last opportunity to compete for a championship.
“It’s my last year at Michigan,” Moore said. “It’s really important to me, trying to go get a championship one more time so I can get two of those big ol’ rings.”