Last year, nearly two seasons into his career with the Michigan football team, junior Frederick Moore caught his first career touchdown in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Alabama. His milestone catch came from a cleverly placed pass from graduate quarterback Davis Warren that found Moore in the corner of the endzone, putting the Wolverines up 13-0 against the Crimson Tide.
In part thanks to Moore’s touchdown, Michigan went on to win the game, 19-13. And this season, Moore is looking to build upon that performance.
“The ReliaQuest Bowl just gave my confidence back,” Moore said Wednesday. “I had fun out there, we was in Tampa having fun. I just wanted to prove that, I know that we had a receiver left, we had (then-junior Tyler Morris) leaving, so it was just my time to step up.”
Alongside then-sophomore wide receiver Semaj Morgan, Moore was one of the Wolverines’ main wide receivers last year. Moore appeared in all 13 games — starting in three of them — totaling 11 catches for 128 yards and rushing five times for 28 yards. Now with the departure of Morris, plus the confidence boost from the ReliaQuest Bowl, Moore is looking to take on an increased role.
Michigan’s wide receiver room looks a bit different from last year though.
Nearly all of the Wolverines’ go-to receivers last season were fast but undersized. While that still holds true in part, Michigan has rounded out the position with the addition of graduate Donaven McCulley. Standing at 6-foot-5, McCulley introduces some size to the passing game and will likely be an X-receiver for the team. While nothing is set in stone, Moore and Morgan will likely often take the field opposite him.
Sure, last year’s stats don’t promise success for the coming season, but Moore already appears poised to occupy a bigger role — and McCulley agrees. When asked about who else was “popping” in the receiver room, McCulley had a clear answer:
“Fred Moore,” McCulley said. “He’s doing a pretty good job. He brings a lot of energy, even if I’m down or maybe I drop a pass or something like that, I know Fred is going to make a big play.”
In addition to his skill on the field, Moore’s mentality has helped shape the Wolverines’ culture. Whenever one of his teammates has an off day or a bad play, Moore is in their ear reminding them to get out of their head and focus on consistency. This focus on stability is a byproduct of Moore’s NFL aspirations because that’s what professional organizations look for. Regardless of where he ends up in the future, though, it starts with Michigan and his performance this upcoming season.
“I’ve been getting my nutrition right so my body, really getting my hip more flexible,” Moore said. “I’ve been more flexible, there were things I couldn’t really do last year. And getting bigger.”
Fueled by “baked potatoes with cheese and sour cream,” Moore has added roughly 10 pounds since fall. And when combined with his increased mobility — plus two years of experience — he’s primed himself for success on the field.
While it’s still a long way away from the spring game, and even longer until the season starts on Aug. 30, Moore has shown that he’s prepared to take on an increased role this season. And with a revamped quarterback room, Moore’s growth might be exactly what Michigan needs.
