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| Brandon Moore (#88) |
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 250 lbs.
High school: Trotwood-Madison High School in Trotwood, OH
Position: Tight end
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #89
Last year: I ranked Moore #66 and said he would see limited time on special teams and at tight end. In a disappointingly accurate prediction, he played in only two games . . . one on special teams and one at tight end.
Moore has got his chance for a breakout season in 2011. He hasn't played much in the past couple years, but he was blocked for playing time by three-year starter Kevin Koger and a pretty good upperclassman in Martell Webb, who has since graduated. Now Moore presumably moves up to the #2 tight end spot behind Koger. The 250-pounder has dropped ten pounds since last season, and he did appear a little bit quicker in the spring. So far in his career, he has been limited to 1 catch for 19 yards, which came against Delaware State back in 2009. But Webb didn't make his first career catch until his junior season, so there's still hope.
Even though Moore's production has been next to nothing so far, I'm counting on him to be a serviceable backup to Koger this season. The options at tight end are limited with position-switcher Steve Watson and the undersized Ricardo Miller the only choices, unless you want to dig into the freshman reserves with Chris Barnett. And while Barnett has a good future, he won't physically be ready to play in crunch time in 2011. That leaves Moore with every opportunity to get on the field. I'm slightly concerned with what I saw from him during the spring, especially one particular play where he caught the ball on a crossing pattern, turned upfield . . . and not only held the ball in his inside hand, but held it loosely away from his body like an oversized Deion Sanders. Redshirt junior tight ends ought to have better fundamentals than that, especially when they're fighting to see the field. Logic tells me that Moore just isn't going to reach the promise that his high school ratings suggested, but I'm hoping and wishing that logic is wrong.
Prediction: Backup tight end
If Moore doesn't step up, there's a good chance this is his last season as a Michigan football player.
ReplyDeleteOne thing is that the way he caught and carried the ball concerning you shouldn't. When going over the middle you can put the ball in either had since you pass catchers are taught to put it towards the outside, which could be either side since you are in the middle of the field. It also has to do with where his defender is. So that shouldn't scare you, what should is the fact he didnt tuck the ball. he should have tucked it as soon as he turns on field
ReplyDeleteMy question is similar to Lankownia's comment.... is there any chance with 2 incoming TEs next year and Barnett this year that we decide not to give Moore a 5th year?
ReplyDeleteHe seems like a nice kid who's worked hard and I hate that it could happen but since we're taking 25 recruits someone needs to be "cut".
@ Logan 4:13 p.m.
ReplyDeleteMoore caught the ball across the middle and rumbled up the right sideline...and the ball was loose and in his left (a.k.a. inside) hand. That's concerning.
@ KB 6:28 a.m.
ReplyDeleteI think Moore will get a fifth year. Otherwise, you have the undersized Ricardo Miller, a redshirt freshman (or sophomore) Chris Barnett, and two true freshmen. Not only is that not much depth, but it's an alarming lack of experience.
FYI - Moore's number has switched to 89, he and Roh and going to play special teams together and they flipped a coin to change numbers, Roh won:
ReplyDelete@BM88re who did you flip with? Roh?
27 Apr
in reply to ↑
@BM88re
Brandon Moore
@JeepinBen yea Roh
Agree with Thunder that TE depth is a concern next year. My point is that Moore hasn't done anything yet. Maybe that's just because of Webb, but part of me doubts it. If Moore proves serviceable this year, he'll be back. That's the best case scenario for everyone. If not, they'll just roll with Barnett, the freshman, and maybe a position switch or two.
ReplyDelete