The Michigan Wolverines have some massive expectations this season and the talent to go along with. As we get more into spring football throughout the next few months, Bleacher Report decided to released its “perfect” college football offense and defense — on this perfect college football team are two Michigan football standouts, one on offense and one on defense.
Michigan football has two standout players on “perfect” team
When you think of Michigan’s best players this year, names like Blake Corum, Donovan Edwards, and J.J. McCarthy come to mind; after all, these three are the most talked about and popular players on the team. That said, none of these three made Bleacher Report’s perfect team; in fact, the two players that BR named will likely come as a surprise to many fans.
Zak Zinter — offensive guard
The first Wolverine named is on the offense: all-star guard Zak Zinter, who has seen a couple of seasons as a standout on Michigan’s offensive line. Here is what Bleacher Report writer Brad Shepard has to say about Zinter:
“When a team wins the Joe Moore Award for the nation’s top offensive line two seasons in a row, you know they’re doing something right. While coach Jim Harbaugh must replace the Outland Trophy winner in Olusegun Oluwatimi, Michigan will replace him with one of the nation’s top centers in Stanford transfer Drake Nugent. To his right will be Zak Zinter.”
“Either one of those guys could be this year’s recipient of the prestigious award. Even if they aren’t recognized, they’ll be anchors on what promises to be yet another strong Wolverines unit that will open holes for Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards to plow through. Zinter is a road-paving force who has received plenty of recognition entering what will be his final year in Ann Arbor.”
“The consensus All-Big Ten first-teamer was dominant in 2022, and he has started 44 games throughout his career. He’s intelligent, a team leader and a force who should play a long time in the NFL.”
“He cited ‘unfinished business’ upon his decision to return to Michigan, according to The Michigan Insider’s Alejandro Zuniga. Considering all he’s accomplished individually and with his unit, he means a national-championship run. He’d be a stalwart on this team that, while not flashy, would be a cornerstone for success.”
Zak Zinter will be a core member of Michigan’s offensive line and should play a massive role in a potential Michigan football national title run.
Rod Moore — safety
In 2022, Michigan football fans watched former three-star prospect Rod Moore come into his own. After grabbing a starting role early on, Moore impressed nationally and is now one of the top defensive back prospects in his draft class — 2023 should be a big year for the rising junior in the Maize and Blue. Here is what Shepard has to say about Moore in 2023:
“A bunch of players were in consideration for this other safety spot, and a lot of them had plenty of viable reasons to be included. Calen Bullock (USC) can retrieve balls like Kinchens, but that’s why the latter is on the list. Miami’s James Williams and Georgia’s Malaki Starks are young, uber-talented future megastars who probably have higher ceilings.”
“But we’re going with Michigan’s Rod Moore because he can do everything, and he complements Kinchens’ ball-snagging ability very well. According to Pro Football Focus’Max Chadwick: “[Moore] was one of two Power Five safeties in 2022 who earned 80-plus grades both in coverage and as a run defender. The other, Alabama’s Brian Branch, is a top-10 prospect on PFF’s 2023 NFL draft big board. Moore’s four interceptions were tied for seventh among Power Five safeties.”
“Even with a guy like Will Johnson in the same secondary, Moore flashes for one of the nation’s best teams. He led the Wolverines with 48 solo tackles, and he paced the squad with four interceptions. Teaming with big-bodied Makari Paige (6’4″, 200 lbs), he was exceptional. Moore is the best all-around safety in the nation, and he’ll emerge as a household name and a buzzworthy prospect for the ’24 draft.”
Like offensive counterpart Zak Zinter, Moore is due for a career-changing season at Michigan season this fall.
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