Michigan’s football program landed another key recruit in the 2022 class on Wednesday.
Baltimore St. Frances Academy four-star defensive lineman Derrick Moore announced his commitment to the Wolverines in a live video on Instagram.
In order to land Moore, the No. 79 overall prospect in the class, per 247Sports’ Composite rankings, Michigan must have obtained a blanket NCAA waiver because of a 2017 rule. The rule prohibits schools from hiring off-the-field assistants for a two-year period both before and after a prospect’s recruitment. Considering Michigan hired Moore’s former coach at St. Frances, Biff Poggi, in a support staff role last offseason, it would need a waiver. The Wolverines received them for current sophomores Blake Corum and Nikhai Hill-Green when Poggi was added to Jim Harbaugh’s staff in July.
Moore, who decommitted from Oklahoma on Nov. 29 after head coach Lincoln Riley left for USC, becomes the second-highest rank pledge in Michigan’s class. He boasts 21 total offers, including from national powers such as Alabama, Georgia and Ohio State.
The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder also is the third top-100 prospect for the Wolverines this cycle, joining five-star cornerback Will Johnson and four-star safety Keon Sabb, who verbally pledge Wednesday.
Moore finished with 55 tackles and 12 sacks in 2021.
“Excellent frame with length,” 247Sports recruiting analyst Brian Dohn wrote in his scouting report. “Carries 260 pounds like it is 240. Agile and athletic. Can bulk up and play 3-technique or stay at current size and play strong side defensive end. Shows excellent body control. Sinks hips and redistributes weight quickly. Fires off low and has twitch in getting up field. Wins leverage battle. Very good shoulder dip to gain edge. Has ability to redirect along line of scrimmage. Chases plays down. Bends well and has flexibility throughout frame. Possesses closing speed. Is able to corral ball carriers in space. At his best when using speed. Shows an ability to anchor at point of attack, disengage and locate ball carrier. Composed and sure tackler. Has to continue to add strength throughout frame. Relies heavily on speed. Has to continue to develop moves to keep linemen off balance and be less predictable play to play.”
(Highlights embedded with permission from Hudl)
