Sherrone Moore’s ‘Secret Weapon’ Emerges from Shadows as Michigan Deals Heavy Recruiting Blow to Ryan Day’s OSU

The Wolverines were the big winners on Day 1 of the NFL Draft this past Thursday. Yes, three players — Colston Loveland, Mason Graham, and Kenneth Grant — went in the top 13 picks, each selected right around or even above their expected draft spot. HC Sherrone Moore couldn’t have been prouder, taking to IG to share his excitement about his former players’ success. He even called one of them the “steal of the draft.” Although Michigan’s program continues to produce NFL talent, the real credit goes to the recruiting game — that’s where the foundation starts.

And Michigan’s 2027 recruiting class will be defined by its ability to lock down in-state talent. Well, this cycle is shaping up to be the strongest Michigan has seen since 2021 — a year that saw multiple draft picks. Right now, with so much talent at home, the Wolverines can’t afford to let key players slip away. However, securing top local prospects like Top 100 WR Dakota Guerrant from Harper Woods and Top 100 TE Anthony Cartwright from Detroit Country Day will be vital to their success.

But the most intriguing part is that both Guerrant and Cartwright, along with several other top local prospects, are part of the influential Sound Mind Sound Body program. Found by Curtis Blackwell and former Wolverine Deon Johnson — father of ex-Michigan CB Will Johnson and current U-M Director of Recruiting Kayli Johnson — this network holds significant power. And these connections are crucial, as securing Michigan’s best homegrown talent will lay the foundation for future success.

However, Kayli Johnson is stepping up as Michigan’s rising star. Now entering her 2nd year with the program, she’s already made a huge impact, filling the big shoes left by former staffer Christina DeRuyter. Look, growing up around the Sound Mind Sound Body program, Kayli has deep connections with key figures in the program. But here’s the real buzz — Michigan’s secret weapon is about to emerge. On April 29, Michigan insider EJ Holland revealed that, according to Curtis Blackwell, Kayli will be Michigan’s “secret weapon” in the upcoming recruiting cycle. Watch out — she’s ready to make waves.

So, Michigan might have found its biggest recruiting edge in Kayli Johnson. And why not? Her deep roots with local talent give the Wolverines a major advantage heading into a crucial cycle. Michigan insider EJ Holland summed it up best, saying:

“I think one of the best things (Michigan head coach) Sherrone Moore did was getting Kayli Johnson on the staff. When you have someone on your staff that knows all of these kids, it’s a huge advantage. Kayli knows Dakota. She babysat Dakota. Kayli knows all of these guys. She’s his secret weapon. You have a lot of good staff members, but Kayli can talk to any coach, parent or athlete. She’s known everyone for years. Hiring Kayli Johnson was a smart move by one.”

Honestly, Sherrone Moore is ready to build a dynasty of his own at Michigan. As an assistant, he helped forge the Wolverines into a national powerhouse. Under his watch, Michigan’s offensive line won back-to-back Joe Moore Awards — a rare and dominant achievement. His tough, physical style became the heartbeat of Big Ten title runs and CFP appearances. Now, with the headset fully his, Moore is aiming even higher. Looks like the foundation is built, and the future is in his hands.

While Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore is busy building his future dynasty, the Wolverines just delivered a major recruiting blow to Ryan Day and Ohio State.

Sherrone Moore snatches a power recruit from OSU

Sherrone Moore just rained on Ryan Day’s parade. Yes, Michigan is making a serious move for star RB Savion Hiter — and it’s paying off. According to Steve Wiltfong, Hiter is now leaning toward the Wolverines over the Buckeyes. Athlon Sports even said Michigan “checks nearly every box” for the rising star. So, Moore has turned up the heat on the recruiting trail, pushing hard to pull Hiter away from OSU — and right now all signs point to him coming out on top.

However, Savion Hiter’s trip to Ann Arbor changed everything. After visiting the Wolverines, Michigan surged up his list of favorites. And Hiter isn’t your average recruit — he’s a 5-star, the No. 1 RB in the 2026 class, and a game-changer in every sense. On top of that, as a junior, he dominated the field with 1,698 rushing yards, racking up 26 TDs along the way. He’s already a 2-time MaxPreps All-American and an Under Armour All-American. So, if Sherrone Moore can close the deal, it’ll be a huge statement — and a major blow to Ryan Day and OSU’s 2026 recruiting hopes.

Sometimes, you just don’t get your way — and it looks like Coach Day is finding that out the hard way. While he continues to load up with elite talent, he’s trailing in the race for Savion Hiter. But can Day pull off a late move to swing the 5-star RB back to OSU? The clock’s ticking, and the pressure’s mounting.