Michigan WR Fred Moore embraces 'no block, no rock' mentality: 'I'm just trying to run through somebody's face'
ANN ARBOR – Michigan Wolverines sophomore wide receiver Fredrick Moore is part of a group of pass catchers that has not had a ton of production to this point in the season. However, he is at the forefront of the team’s recent offensive efforts after a breakout performance vs. Arkansas State and a four-game stretch that sees him grading out as the best run blocker at his position.
At some point, Michigan will need more through the air if it seeks to reach its goals, and Moore – who has 4 catches for 43 yards this season – knows that will come with game reps on the field.
“I think the pass game has a lot of potential,” Moore said on Tuesday night. “I know we are gonna throw the ball more, but I know that it’s a team sport, so I gotta go out there and block. I enjoy blocking. As watch film, we know we can exploit a lot of things, but we know that we’re just going week by week. Same level-headed, game plan… I always stay engaged because at the end of the day it’s a team sport.
“No block, no rock. That’s how I go.”
Michigan is navigating a switch from Davis Warren to Alex Orji at the position, which makes them inherently a more run-heavy team. Still, he sees the arm talent from the current starting QB that suggests an upward trajectory.
“I know all my guys can be able to get open,” Moore said. “That’s no problem with the receivers. We’re going to get the ball there, too, because I know Alex has an arm. Whoever’s playing, I’m comfortable with whoever’s out there, to be honest. I just run my route and get open. So I know every opportunity we’re going to take advantage of.”
“We know this team is a great team. So just winning our matchups and doing our 1-on-1s [is the emphasis].”
There are always natural frustrations when the ball does not come your way consistently, but Moore embodies the team-first mentality the program has preached. Whatever it takes to win is what they will do.
“As long as we get the dub,” Moore said. “If we got to run the ball, we’re just gonna have to run the ball, I’m just gonna have to go out there and block. So, there’s really no frustration… I’ve really been a calm person. It takes a lot to frustrate me. If we had to run it, we just have to run it.
“Like Penn State [last year], we had to run it. We just have to go out there and execute and block.”
Pro Football Focus has Moore graded a 90.8 in the run game in 16 designed rushing snaps this year, which is a mark that leads his team and his position group. Classmate Semaj Morgan has an 82.0 in that phase of his game.
For the Michigan wideouts, Moore says a big block is almost as critical as a chunk play through the passing game.
“It doesn’t take a toll on my body because I’m just trying to run through somebody’s face every play,” Moore said. “That’s it. Every chance I get, so it doesn’t take a toll on my body at all. Probably the other person I’m blocking, though.”
“I’m about a hundred-yard catch. Like a block that springs us is probably the same thing as a hundred-yard catch for real. Or a touchdown. I just like seeing my teammates win. So whatever puts them in the best position.”
Michigan wide receivers coach/pass game coordinator Ron Bellamy does not make any promises on a given week, but Moore says he has them ready to roll when their number is called depending on the game plan.
“He tells us we’re gonna get the ball, but he also tells us he keeps it real. If we’re going to run it, we gonna run it. We know what program we’re in. We know what system we are in. We know we gonna have to run the ball. We got good running backs and we got good receivers. So it just depends on the week.”
