Derrick Moore reveals area he wants to improve heading into 2023 season

One of the headliners in the 2022 Michigan signing class, EDGE Derrick Moore saw the field plenty in his freshman season. But he wants to have a greater impact on his second go around for the Wolverines.

Despite playing in all 14 of Michigan’s games as a true freshman, he had one sack and minimal production otherwise. Heading into the summer with spring ball complete, Moore spoke on the “In The Trenches” podcast — produced in-house by Michigan — about his desire to improve at the finer points of edge rushing and getting after the quarterback to make a bigger impact in 2023.

“I want to work on being more explosive off the ball. I feel like I can get off more, on the ball. Working some more on my dipping and bending, using my hands better,” Moore said.

Additionally, he’s working to be a better interior pass rusher. In the current defense under coordinator Jesse Minter, Michigan often tasks edge rushers with an interior alignment — 4i, 3 technique, etc. — to create mismatches on guards and centers.

As a true freshman, interior rushing was an area Moore quickly learned needed honing. Currently listed on the Michigan roster at 6-foot-3, 279 pounds, Moore has the size to slide inside and get after interior offensive linemen with quickness and burst.

“Also just playing the 4i better. I struggled with that last season. And also rushing out of the 4i and 3 tech. Because a lot of times we rush out of the 4i and 3 tech, so I just want to be able to rush from both ways,” Moore said.

While Moore works on the finer points of edge rushing and pocket pushing, he hasn’t set out any specific statistical goals. He’ll likely surpass his sack total of one from 2022 by virtue of an expanded role in the defensive front.

And as a former Top 50 prospect out of St. Frances (Md.) Academy, Moore has plenty of talent to grow into a force for Michigan on the defensive line.

“Just be better than last year. That’s my goal. I don’t really have any stats or anything. I don’t really want to throw no numbers up in the air. But I just want to be better than I was last year,” Moore said. “And I feel like I am better mentally. Just being around the team and practicing, I just feel more confident in myself.”