Amidst thе whirlwind of changеs following Jim Harbaugh’s dеparturе for thе Los Angeles Chargеrs, Sherrone Moore and thе  Michigan Wolvеrinеs are now facing a significant shakеup with two playеrs еntеring thе NCAA transfеr portal. Junior safеty Kеon Sabb, a pivotal figurе in Michigan’s 2023 championship run, has joined rеsеrvе dеfеnsivе tacklе Rееcе Attеbеrry in sееking nеw opportunitiеs.

With thе transfеr window opеn until February 23, thе Wolvеrinеs are bracing for adjustmеnts. Howеvеr, even with Sabb’s dеparturе, thе Wolvеrinеs rеmain undеtеrrеd as hеad coach Shеrronе Moorе unvеils not onе but two backup plans for thе safеty position, еnsuring continuity in thеir dеfеnsivе stratеgy for thе upcoming sеason.

Kеy safеtiеs rеturn to strеngthеn Michigan’s linеup

Both starting Michigan safeties from the previous season, as well as graduate Makari Paige and junior Rod Moore, have decided to return for another year to strengthen the team’s defensive lineup. Moore, who has been a consistent contributor since his freshman season, recently announced his decision to return for his senior year on social media. Moore rose to prominence during his sophomore season in 2022 when he led all Michigan defensive backs in interceptions (four), including the game-ending interception against Michigan State, and tackles (71).

He also posted half a sack and 1.5 tackles for loss, seven pass breakups, and one quarterback hit to earn an All-Big Ten honorable mention. With impressive stats, including leading Michigan defensive backs in interceptions during the 2022 season, Moore’s presence promises to bolster the Wolverines’ defensive prowess. Additionally, Makari Paige, another key figure in Michigan’s secondary, announced his return for a fifth season last month.

Makari Paige is a promising player for the Michigan Wolverines. He has 41 career games and two All-Big Ten selections under his belt. Paige’s decision to stay with the Wolverines provides further stability to the team’s defensive lineup. In the 2020 class, he was a four-star recruit and ranked No. 227 in the country according to the On3 Industry Ranking. Paige was also considered the 20th-ranked safety in the class and the fifth-best player in the state of Michigan.

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Paige quickly found a role in the Michigan team, appearing in all six games as a true freshman during the COVID-19-impacted season in 2020. He made six tackles and worked on special teams. In the 2021 campaign, he played in nine games at safety and special teams, making a pair of tackles. He earned his second varsity letter with the Wolverines.

As Michigan prepares for the 2024 campaign and the return of key defensive players like Rod Moore, Paige’s presence offers reassurance amid the challenges of player transitions and coaching changes.

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