Michigan's Edge Rushers Set 'Scary' High Standards for 2025

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ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The year 2024 showcased contrasting campaigns for Michigan's edge rushers TJ Guy and Derrick Moore.

The guy created quite an impact in his secondary position, which was significant enough to catch attention from the NFL, whereas Moore found it challenging to reach the end zone consistently when he was leading. He was partnering with Josaiah Stewart, who excelled at accumulating statistics and overpowering opponents with his rush; Stewart’s rapid initial move often put him ahead of the opposing team’s offensive line.

As Stewart heads to the NFL, Guy and Moore have decided to come back to Michigan in 2025 — providing the Wolverines with two seasoned playmakers on the edge and high aspirations.

It was crucial that we brought both of these players back," Michigan coach Sherrone Moore stated lately. "I believe they will form an exciting pair in college football next season.

Last autumn, Guy turned into a nuisance for opposing quarterbacks, racking up 5.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss. His standout performances came against Big Ten opponents like Washington and Indiana. Looking ahead, he aims to improve further this season and believes that pairing with Moore is intimidating for their competition.

We're going to collaborate effectively," Guy stated. "Given how (Derrick) charges ahead and my own approach, I believe our methods will complement each other nicely.

Standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 250 pounds, Guy characterizes himself as an "athletic, quick-to-the-action" defensive end… “I could be closing in on him, and he might push off towards me. As seen during our initial pass rush in the ReliaQuest Bowl, we were both nearly there.”

“There will be plenty more of that.”

The task at hand is to revitalize Moore’s performance. Having been a highly sought-after prospect coming out of high school—boasting a four-star rating and being ranked within the top 100—he saw significant playing time during his first year and improved substantially as a second-year player. In this role, he recorded five sacks and six tackles for loss. This level of achievement had raised considerable anticipation for what Moore could achieve in 2024; however, persistent injuries along with an outstanding campaign from Stewart—who topped the charts in both sacks (with 8.5) and tackles for loss (at 13)—resulted in diminished output from him.

Ever since, the 6-foot-3, 256-pound Moore has been focusing on improving his initial burst and hand positioning—two crucial elements for an effective pass-rusher. He’s also taking heed of his coach's guidance to fully express himself on the field this autumn.

They simply ask me to venture out and embrace freedom," stated Moore, who plays as a defensive end. "Just do whatever you can. This season, my strategy revolves around concentrating on small details that will enhance my performance, ensuring that when Saturday arrives, I'll excel.

Guy also provided reassurance, as he understands better than anyone else what it takes to excel in that role. The coaches have praised Moore's efforts in clearing the pocket last year, which opened opportunities for Stewart, and they expect him to continue this into 2025.

He was consistently just about 1.1 seconds off each time," Guy explained. "He made excellent runs. Occasionally, at the edge position, your contributions may not appear on the statsheet—but that doesn't imply you're not performing well.

Regarding the rest of the roster, Guy, Moore, and the Michigan coaching staff also express satisfaction with the depth following their lead. Juniors Cameron Brandt and sophomore Dominic Nichols have stepped forward as reliable substitutes, offering the Wolverines promising prospects who could form the subsequent generation of pass-rush specialists.

Meanwhile, all eyes are on Guy and Moore to uphold their part of the agreement as they join a defensive line that needed to fill the gaps left by three departed starters, notably high-caliber tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant.

Moore believes firmly that this will happen.

I've got this wild premonition," Moore stated. "It feels like my partner TJ and I are heading into an insane year. It seems as though we're destined to be this zany pair. Throughout the entire off-season, he has been relentlessly pushing himself, putting in immense effort. All we keep discussing is how 'This will be our final chance, so we must finish strong.'

©2025Advance Local Media LLC. Check out mlive.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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