Michigan Football: Post-spring breakdown of underrated safety group

Michigan football lost some key contributors at safety, but the Wolverines have loads of talent at the position and plenty of experience. 

We have worked our way through Michigan football’s roster with our post-spring position breakdowns and today we have reached safety.

The Wolverines lost some key contributors at safety from last season as Daxton Hill went to the NFL draft and was picked in the first round, while Brad Hawkins also moved on.

Hawkins was a solid, steady presence for the Wolverines and just didn’t make mistakes. He was reliable in run support and we all know what Hill was — a superstar.

His play was underappreciated in Ann Arbor but he did so many little things. He could cover just about anyone, blitz, and was a great tackler.

Michigan football safety outlook for 2022

R.J. Moten and Rod Moore are expected to take over as the starters for next season. Both guys essentially filled the role of third safety and (nickel defender) as Daxton Hill would normally bump into the slot and his safety role was filled by Moten or Moore.

Both guys played in 11 games last season. Moten had 35 tackles, an interception, and two fumble recoveries. Moore had 33 tackles and a pass breakup.

Moore dealt with some injuries this spring but should be 100 percent by fall camp and the Wolverines should feel good about their starting tandem, especially since Moore seems like a guy with a really bright future.

Makari Paige and Quentin Johnson are waiting in the wings and Johnson was impressive during the spring. However, there could also be a push from a trio of talented freshmen in Keon Sabb, Zeke Berry, and Damani Dent.

Sabb, a former Clemson commitment, turned heads this spring, and there’s a chance both he and Berry could push for playing time due to their versatility. They’ve got coverage skills similar to Hill in that they can do multiple things.

Berry could easily play in the slot, while Sabb could drop down into the box and cover a tight end. Damani Dent is another name to watch, although he just got on campus. The same can be said about Berry who is also a late enrollee.

Sabb could have a leg up now, but Michigan football is pretty set at safety going into the 2022 season. That talented trio of freshman should get on the field at some point, especially on special teams and certain sub-packages potentially, but if all goes as planned, Moore and Moten will be playing most of the snaps at safety for the Wolverines.

And they will do just fine.