Michigan football DB sends message about potential transfer additions

When Rod Moore got hurt, the reaction of Michigan football fans was to look to the transfer portal. However, if you look at the Wolverines’ depth chart, you’ll see it’s not needed.

Guys will need to step up, but that’s how the Wolverines do it. Next man up. It worked before and it will work again. That doesn’t mean losing Rod Moore — one of the best-returning safeties in college football — won’t be a huge blow to the Michigan defense. It will be.

It doesn’t have to be a death knell though and Michigan football doesn’t necessarily need a pickup from the transfer portal to fill the void.

There are some quality candidates on the depth chart to replace Moore and do it more effectively than a transfer portal pickup. We talked about Quentin Johnson. He returned to the Wolverines after declaring for the draft.

My guess is that Johnson is the starter for Moore. Yet, two other names to know are Zeke Berry and Brandyn Hillman. I keep saying Berry should get a shot at the nickel spot vacated by Mike Sainristil. There was talk of playing Rod Moore at that spot.

Michigan football DB puts fans on notice

However, another name to know is Brandyn Hillman, and don’t take my word for it. Take his.

“Michigan needs to add a impact DB in the transfer portal.”

“Michigan needs to add a impact DB in the transfer portal”

— Brandyn Hillman (@dmv_b3) March 27, 2024

The sentiment is obvious. Hillman is seeing fans talking about needing Keon Sabb to come back or calling for an impact defensive back to replace Moore from the portal. Yet, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound safety, who played in nine games on defense last season, could be the “impact” addition by taking a sophomore leap.

If the portal is like free agency, guys like Hillman are draft picks (gotten through recruiting) and developed. I’d personally bet on homegrown talent and Hillman’s point hits home. It doesn’t guarantee anything next season but it shows where his mind is and I love it.

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics and Big Ten content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms.