Michigan football safety corps earns elite national status

The Michigan football safety corps, led by standout players like former three-star recruit Rod Moore, is widely regarded as one of the strongest in the nation as the 2023 fall season approaches.

In the latest national rankings, the Wolverines’ safeties have secured a remarkable position within the top-2, solidifying their reputation as an elite defensive unit. This achievement further reinforces Michigan’s overall defensive prowess, with each facet of its defense currently holding a top-5 ranking in the country, setting high expectations for the upcoming season.

Wolverines need elite defensive play to win their third-straight Big Ten title

This year’s off-season hype surrounding the Wolverines seems to deviate from the norm. While Michigan has often been part of these conversations, it has been a rare occurrence in recent decades for the Wolverines to enter a season as favorites against Ohio State and with a strong chance of winning the Big Ten title.

Should the projected win total for Michigan in 2023 materialize, it would mark the third consecutive year that the Wolverines have established themselves as the dominant force in the Big Ten — an accomplishment not witnessed since the early 1990s under the guidance of former head coach Gary Moeller.

This potential achievement highlights the impressive strides made by the team and signifies their resurgence as a top contender in the conference.

Michigan football safety corps ranked among the top-2 nationally

Yesterday the On3 Network released its top 10 safety rooms ahead of the 2023 college football season; on its list is the Michigan Wolverines, who came in at No. 2 overall. The only school ahead of the Michigan football safety corps is the Miami Hurricanes.

Rod Moore is currently thought to be one of (if not the) top safeties in the nation — during his first year as a starter in 2022, he showcased the incredible talent and a natural feel for the game that sets him apart from the competition. Alongside Moore in the defensive backfield will be rising star Makari Paige, who jumped onto the scene a season ago and established himself as a top-tier defender with an incredibly high ceiling to match.

Top 10 CFB Safety Unit Rankings per @JesseReSimonton?

Do you agree? ?https://t.co/f0ERGZWH2V pic.twitter.com/pW417kmKnl

— On3 (@On3sports) May 11, 2023

On3’s take

Here is On3’s explanation for ranking the Michigan football safety corps at No. 2 nationally.

“In senior Rod Moore, the Wolverines have one of the most complete safeties in the country in 2023. Moore had four interceptions, while also providing excellent support as a run defender. During the spring, Michigan had an ongoing battle for its second-safety spot, with senior Makari Page leapfrogging junior R.J. Moten on the depth chart late last season. Both had one pick and around 35 tackles in 2022, but Moten ultimately choose to transfer to Florida in the second window. The Wolverines have a nice set of options behind their starters, with senior Quinten Johnson in the mix, as well as redshirt freshmen Keon Sabb and Zeke Berry.”

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Managing Editor at [email protected]. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!