Derrick Moore’s Rise at Michigan: From Raw Recruit to Dominant Edge Rusher

(Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

Derrick Moore arrived at Michigan Wolverines football as a highly touted four-star recruit, but his college career wasn’t defined by instant dominance—it was a steady climb that culminated in a breakout senior season and legitimate NFL upside.

Freshman Season (2022): Flashes of Potential

Moore saw limited action as a true freshman, but the early signs were encouraging. He finished with 8 total tackles and 2 sacks, carving out a small rotational role on a loaded Michigan defense.

At this stage, Moore’s game was raw but intriguing. He relied heavily on natural strength and effort, showing the ability to collapse the pocket in limited pass-rush opportunities. However, he was still developing technically and didn’t yet have a consistent role. This year was about adjustment—learning the speed of the college game and refining his fundamentals.

Sophomore Season (2023): Rotation to Contributor

Moore took a significant step forward in his second year, becoming a key rotational piece on a championship-caliber defense. He recorded 34 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks, earning All-Big Ten honorable mention honors.

This was the season where his growth became noticeable. His snap count jumped significantly, and with it came improved production. Moore began to show more consistency setting the edge against the run while also flashing pass-rush upside.

What stood out most was his motor—he played with a physical, high-effort style that fit perfectly within Michigan’s defensive identity. While not yet a polished pass rusher, he started to develop counters and showed better hand usage.

Junior Season (2024): Solid but Inconsistent

In 2024, Moore’s production remained solid but didn’t take the leap many expected. He posted 23 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks, numbers nearly identical to the previous season in terms of impact plays.

This year highlighted both his strengths and limitations. Moore continued to be a dependable edge-setter and physical presence, but he struggled to consistently finish plays in the backfield. Scouts often noted that while he could generate pressure, he didn’t always convert those opportunities into sacks.