Five-star 2023 QB Dante Moore compared to recent NFL Draft pick by ESPN analyst

Michigan is working hard on trying to land the services of On3 Consensus five-star quarterback Dante Moore, one of the top targets in the 2023 recruiting class. Things have moved slowly in building this cycle’s haul of players, but a five-star signal-caller right in the program’s backyard would seemingly kick things into high gear.

The 2023 class typically revolves around the discussion of Moore and five-star-plus QBs Arch Manning and Malachi Nelson. ESPN’s Tom Luginbill recently put comparisons on each player with Manning labeled an Andrew Luck-esque talent. Nelson compared to Desmond Ridder, formerly of Cincinnati.

ESPN compared Moore to Matt Corral of Ole Miss, who was recently selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers.

What ESPN said about Dante Moore

While Moore is a passer first, he is more than capable of being a designated runner in the zone-read scheme. He has natural instincts for timing and when to use his feet. As someone who can be a game-changer on the ground or in the air, his skill set would allow for him to play in just about any scheme.

He’s smooth and poised and can make the necessary throws with very good arm strength and accuracy. He has a knack for throwing guys open. Moore, who threw for 40 touchdowns as a junior, has the physical traits to compete right away. Notre Dame and Michigan appear to be the frontrunners for the Midwest talent.

Scouting report: Possesses a polished passing skill set. Good ball handler, good feet. Can turn back to the line of scrimmage off play action and get right back on his progression. Sees the field well. Ball jumps off his hand. Can change arm angles and can beat the rush with his release. Accurate thrower. Can fit the ball into tight spots. Could play early given his stature and skill.

Where things stand with his Michigan recruitment

Moore, who the On3 Consensus rates the No. 8 player in the country and the top-ranked player in Michigan, is seemingly not in a rush to make a decision. The Detroit Martin Luther King product is currently projected to land with Notre Dame via On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM), but the Wolverines will remain a factor and push hard to the very end.

A home-stretch battle between Michigan and Notre Dame for him seems likely, but Moore is interested in also seeing what Texas A&M has to offer.

Michigan currently has six commitments in its 2023 class, headlined by four-star linebacker Raylen Wilson (Tallahassee, Florida). The class also includes four-star running back Cole Cabana (Dexter, Michigan), three-star wideout Semaj Morgan (West Bloomfield, Michigan), three-star defensive lineman Brooks Bahr (Wilmette, Illinois), three-star running back Benjamin Hall (Kennesaw, Georgia) and kicker Adam Samaha (Ann Arbor, Michigan). Moore would instantly be the crown jewel of the cycle.

Michigan has done well with elite in-state recruitments of late, landing Donovan Edwards in 2021 and five-star cornerback Will Johnson in 2023. They say things come in threes, so time will tell if they can clean up one more time with Moore.