Sherrone Moore praises Kirk Campbell, transfer additions, linebackers, and more

DETROIT — Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore was in Detroit today to speak at the satellite camp at Wayne State, talking to the campers before meeting the media. Two things were clear — he’s settling into his new role after serving as offensive coordinator last year, and there’s a lot he likes about his team. 

Moore said there was a lot to like about his team after watching film of the spring game. 

“I feel great,” Moore said. “I’m excited about the new guys we brought in and excited about the freshmen class we brought in.”

Many of them will vie for playing time this fall, though it’s too soon to predict who and where. 

“We’ll see,” Moore continued. “It’s a competitive culture; an ever growing, flowing organism that we just let ride, and we’re just excited to see who wins the battles. It’s great to have competition like that.”

They brought in help at wide receiver when Amorion Walker decided to come back from Ole Miss. Walker had moved to defensive back in his second year at U-M, but he’ll be back at his original position this summer and fall. Former coach Jim Harbaugh once called him part of a three-man “freak show” with junior Tyler Morris and Darrius Clemons (now at Oregon State) — two of them are now back together. 

“He’s going to play wide receiver. He went to Ole Miss, but I heard rumblings from players [he wanted back] but said, ‘I can’t talk to him,’” Moore said. “He went in the portal, and I knew that was something we knew we wanted to pursue. He’s a playmaker — fast, long limbs — so we’re excited about him. 

“I feel good about [the receivers]. People forget about the guys like Tyler Morris, Semaj Morgan, Fredrick Moore. I’m super stoked for them. Kendrick Bell is another guy that I’m excited about, so we’ve got good depth. Obviously, when you’ve got a tight end like Colston Loveland, we’ve got a great receiver body there, as well … and Marlin Klein. The tight end position I’m excited about, as well.”

Michigan O.C. Kirk Campbell making an impression

Most knew it was only a matter of time before Michigan assistant Kirk Campbell moved up in the coaching ranks. Moore made sure it was with him when he promoted him to offensive coordinator. 

He’s more than ready for the job, Moore said Thursday.

“The past two years calling plays, Kirk was obviously right there with me as an analyst my first year, my second year as a quarterbacks coach,” Moore said. “At least in my mind, he thinks like me. He’s very creative, extremely knowledgeable about the game, run and pass. So, he’s a guy I feel I can trust to run that offense and run the staff … be the head coach of the offense. 

“He works his tail off. After we won the national championship, Kirk Campbell was in there yelling at the screen the day after because somebody’s route depth wasn’t right. I said, ‘Kirk – go home. We just won the natty.’ But that’s the type of guy you want.”

He’ll lean heavily on him to help choose a quarterback, too. Though Moore said he wouldn’t talk about the quarterbacks, he did provide a few updates. 

“We just want the best quarterback. It doesn’t matter if he’s mobile or not,” Moore said. “We always want a mobile quarterback, but we want the best quarterback … you just want the best guy at the position.”

Seventh-year grad Jack Tuttle is expected to be in the mix now that he’s back and healthy. He missed spring ball, but he’s back at it, Moore reported.

“He’s great. He’s throwing, full speed, and he’s rolling,” Moore said. “He’s looked good. I saw him a couple days ago just peeking out of my office, saw him throwing a little bit. He’s up to speed and ready to go.”

Linebacker group is impressing

Moore had high praise for his linebackers coming out of spring, led by Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham.

“Those linebackers, Jaishawn and Ernest, I feel like they are two of the best ones in the country. They’re going to surprise a lot of people, which is par or the course,” Moore said. “I feel like we’ve got a good nucleus of guys behind them that can really challenge them and push them. I’m really excited about those guys.”

The big question … who backs them up? The Wolverines have a plan there, too.

“Jayden Hood is one, and Jimmy Rolder, as well,” Moore said. “A bunch of the young guys you’ve got to play and then you’ll see. Tthose are the main two behind them, but we’ll see what happens.”