Michigan Football: Expanded role for RJ Moten could be useful

Second-year Michigan football player R.J. Moten has taken a step forward in his development and here’s what it could mean for the defense. 

It’s not a bold statement to say that Daxton Hill is one of Michigan football‘s best defensive players. But there is a question of how best to utilize his skills.

Hill is a guy with 4.3 speed. He’s a solid tackler and also is probably Michigan’s best cover corner when needed. Last season, he was used as a corner and safety.

This year, Hill has been penciled in as a starting safety along with veteran Brad Hawkins. However, Hill has many talents and I’ve always believed his best role on the Michigan defense would be in the nickel, where he could play more of a hybrid role.

I often think back to Charles Woodson and his career with the Green Bay Packers. He did incredible damage in the slot and I think Hill could do similar things if the Wolverines play him more in that slot position.

The guy can blitz off the edge, cover, and also assist in the running game. Yet, in order for Hill to get those snaps, Michigan needs someone to cover for him on the back end, which is where RJ Moten comes in.

Hawkins is going to play at one spot, but the other safety job is open when Hill is playing his nickel role and the primary competitors have been Moten and Makari Paige, who played a little in 2020.

Here’s what Moten told reporters on Tuesday when he met with the media about his role:

"“Yes I do,” Moten said when asked whether he feels more confident about this year. “Last year, I’m thankful for redshirting and not playing last year. It allowed me to understand the game more and understand how the staff works here and college football in general … Really just to hone in on the details. Better my craft, better my man-to-man, better my zone skills. Really just understand this new playbook.”"

Moten was a former four-star recruit and ranked 256th overall in the 2020 class. He’s an exceptional athlete and was projected by 247 sports as a future 2nd-round pick. Zach Shaw also listed him as a potential breakout candidate for The Michigan Insider:

"“He’ll play behind Daxton Hill and Brad Hawkins at safety, but has repped with the first string plenty in spring and fall practices, and should get a chance to show what he can do at the very least in specialty packages this fall.”"

In the base defense, Hill would obviously be the safety. However, when Michigan football goes to packages with five or six defensive backs, Moten is an ideal candidate for the back end of the defense along with Paige.

Vincent Gray is another defensive back expected to be in the mix along with DJ Turner. But if the safties have better depth, the Wolverines should take advantage and allow Hill to roam more.