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Wolverine TV: AJ Barner, Derrick Moore talk Michigan fall camp

clayton-sayfieby:Clayton Sayfie•08/18/23•

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AJ Barner
(Photo by Clayton Sayfie / TheWolverine.com)

Michigan Wolverines football senior tight end AJ Barner and sophomore EDGE Derrick Moore met with the media Friday afternoon during fall camp. Watch video of Barner in the player above and Moore in the embed below.

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Barner discussed all the talent on the Michigan team. There weren’t many surprises coming from Indiana, where he played three seasons, he said, but he was pleasantly surprised that the Wolverines are deep everywhere.

“I kind of knew what I was walking into, I think. I think the amount of really talented football players on this team at every position is three guys deep,” Barner said. “So, that’s been a pleasant surprise, for sure. I’m extremely grateful to be here. So many blessings when you come into this program.

“When I was at Indiana, I had two offensive coordinators, so I had to learn some different things there. But I think Coach [Grant] Newsome is doing a tremendous job … he harps on the details, is always there to take the extra time if we need to go over something. Having him has been extremely helpful … all the tight ends, [J.J.] McCarthy, all those guys have been there to help me, also. I feel I’m at the point know where I’m really comfortable with everything.”

Moore, meanwhile, dropped 21 pounds this offseason, down from 279 pounds to 258. He said he’s faster and even more explosive.

“I was 20 pounds heavier last year, so I was like 280,” the Michigan EDGE said. “This year, I just dialed in to taking better care of my body. Putting the right things in my body, eating more protein, more vegetables, getting more sleep. And I feel like that just all helped shed all that fat off me.

“I felt it was important because I talked to a lot of my coaches about it … I wanted to be more fast and explosive coming off the ball, and [nutritionist Abigal O’Connor] just helped me write up a meal prep plan, and I just stuck to it.

“I feel way better — I feel quicker, twitchier and more explosive. I don’t feel no type of weak or anything.”

Moore is one of the top players on a Michigan defensive line intent on improving its pass rush from last season, even after the defense racked up 37 sacks.

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