Latest news with #DerrickMoore
USA Today
30-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Michigan football's 2025 defense: Deep, talented, and led by star Derrick Moore
Michigan football's 2025 defense: Deep, talented, and led by star Derrick Moore Many look at Michigan football and question what it lost on the defensive side of the ball. But the bigger question should center around what the Wolverines retained. Yes, the maize and blue lost two first-round NFL draft picks at defensive tackle, a second-rounder in cornerback Will Johnson, and a third-round edge rusher in Josaiah Stewart. However, Michigan is still talented, and perhaps scary, on the defensive side of the ball, given who it still has. We saw most of what's expected to be the 2025 Michigan football defense in action in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Alabama on Dec. 31, and that unit held the nation's 22nd-ranked scoring offense to just 13 points (it averaged 33.8 points per game). Returning talent Though defensive coordinator Wink Martindale notes there isn't any obvious first-rounders on this defense, it's still a deep and talented group. 'I feel really good about our depth overall as a defense,' Martindale said before spring ball. 'Do we have any bona fide first-round picks? I'm not sure. We'll wait and see how this season goes. But I know we've got some next-day draft picks sitting there ready to go. Right now I can say that confidently with the guys that we have, and we have more depth, like I said, in every room.' The defensive tackle depth is six-deep, edge rusher is four-deep, linebacker is probably about five-deep, safety is six-deep, and cornerback is four-deep at this juncture. The one player who could be an obvious first-rounder Despite what Martindale said, there's one defensive player in Ann Arbor who could rise to the occasion. A former four-star recruit, edge rusher Derrick Moore flipped from Oklahoma to Michigan late in the process. He's gotten time on task since he was a freshman and he opted to come back for his senior year. His junior campaign was impressive, and the coaches have raved about the spring he had, noting how he's taken his game up a notch. In March, PFF graded out the top 10 returning edge rushers in college football and though not one of the more highly-rated EDGEs, Moore did come in at No. 10. 10. Derrick Moore, Michigan Moore was one of the most efficient pass-rushers in the country last year. His 23.1% pass-rush win rate was fourth among all FBS edges while his 86.5 pass-rush grade was sixth in the Big Ten. Moore has very good bend and a bull rush that can knock back even the largest offensive tackles. With Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant and Josaiah Stewart off to the league, it'll be up to him and top-10 defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny to lead the next era of dominant defensive linemen in Ann Arbor. Paired with TJ Guy, who had 5.5 sacks last year, this Michigan football pass rush should be quite formidable in 2025. If Moore does take his game to the next level, he very well could get the Wolverines back to where they were, consistently producing first-round NFL edge rushers.
New York Times
07-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Michigan's first-round NFL Draft streak is in jeopardy in 2026. Who could keep it alive?
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The 2018 NFL Draft was a quiet one for Michigan. The Wolverines had two players selected, center Mason Cole in the third round and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst in the fifth. Though those players have had solid NFL careers, the 2018 draft class is notable mostly for what's happened since then. Michigan has produced a first-round pick in seven consecutive drafts, the second-longest streak in the Big Ten behind Ohio State's 10-year run. The streak includes Aidan Hutchinson (No. 2 to the Lions in 2022), J.J. McCarthy (No. 10 to the Vikings in 2024) and a trio of players drafted in the top 13 picks of last month's draft. Looking ahead to 2026, Michigan's streak of first-round picks could be in jeopardy. The Wolverines didn't have a player on Dane Brugler's initial first-round watch list and will need a breakout season from one of their veterans to keep the first-round streak intact. Here's a look at the top contenders and other players to watch for next year's draft. Edge Derrick Moore Moore could have joined Mason Graham, Colston Loveland, Kenneth Grant and Will Johnson in the 2025 draft, which would have given Michigan five picks from its 2022 recruiting class. If Michigan extends its streak of first-round picks in 2026, his decision to return as a senior could be the reason. Moore has been an underrated part of Michigan's defensive success the past three years. Josaiah Stewart, a third-round pick of the Rams, had more sack production on the edge, but Moore equaled Stewart with 37 quarterback pressures and had Michigan's second-highest win rate last season, according to Pro Football Focus. Even if he's not the most explosive pass rusher in his class, Moore is an above-average run defender and a consistent presence on the edge who can play in a variety of schemes. He doesn't have a lot of weaknesses and can raise his stock by showing a deeper repertoire of pass-rush tools as a senior. DT Rayshaun Benny Instead of asking Benny to fill the shoes of Graham or Grant, maybe we should be asking if he's the next Mazi Smith. Smith was a late-bloomer who was picked in the first round by the Cowboys because he was an immovable object in the middle of Michigan's defensive line. Benny may not have the traits that landed Smith at the top of Bruce Feldman's Freaks List, but he's already shown himself to be a more disruptive pass rusher. Benny, a fifth-year graduate student, has played on some deep defensive lines. Most of the players who were ahead of him are in the NFL. Though he's started only two games in his career, he's shown enough as a rotational player to put himself on the NFL radar. He could be one of the climbers in this draft class if he makes the most of his opportunity as a starter. LB Jaishawn Barham Barham could get drafted on traits alone, as he's one of the most physically gifted players on Michigan's roster. The question is whether he'll give teams more reasons to pick him in 2025. The Maryland transfer is a run-and-hit linebacker who destroys blocks and punishes ball carriers when he has a chance. He showed his potential last season but also showed room for growth in his ability to diagnose plays and get himself in the right position. Another year in Wink Martindale's defense should help, as Barham will be more familiar with the scheme and Michigan will be more familiar with what he can do. Giving him more opportunities to rush the quarterback should help Barham's stock and help Michigan's defense, too. He could be a Day 2 pick if he can put everything together. S Rod Moore Moore would have been one of the top safety prospects in his class if he'd been healthy in 2024. Instead, he missed the season after injuring his knee in the spring and still hasn't returned to the field after undergoing a second clean-up procedure. Injury concerns could impact his draft stock, and Moore will have to show that he's back to his old form. If he can do that, all of the things scouts liked about him before still should apply. Moore is a sure tackler who's rarely out of position, and every defensive coordinator he's had at Michigan has raved about his football IQ. It remains to be seen when he'll be cleared for full contact, though Michigan's coaches have expressed optimism that he'll be ready for preseason camp. It may take him some time to knock off the rust after not playing football for more than a year. With average size for his position, Moore will have to show he's regained the quickness and fluidity he had before his injury. Edge TJ Guy Guy signed with Michigan as a three-star recruit and didn't play a lot his first three years on campus. After a breakout spring in 2024, he emerged as a rotational player last year and heads into his fifth year as one of Michigan's leaders on defense. Guy's explosiveness pops when you watch him rush the quarterback. He had 5.5 sacks and 25 pressures last season and had no problems revving up his motor while sharing snaps with Stewart and Derrick Moore. He can help his stock in 2025 by proving he's an every-down player who can maintain a high level of intensity with a heavier workload. OL Giovanni El-Hadi Despite being a fourth-year player, El-Hadi hadn't played many snaps when he stepped into the starting lineup last year at right guard. The inexperience showed at times, but El-Hadi improved throughout the season and came back for a fifth year with a shot to solidify himself as a draft pick. El-Hadi has natural strength and body control that made him a top-100 prospect in high school. He's shown the ability to anchor in pass protection and get to the second level as a run blocker, though he can be more dominant at the point of attack and more consistent as a puller. El-Hadi attributed some of last year's inconsistency to his move to right guard, which required him to learn new footwork and angles. With a move back to left guard and a year of starting experience under his belt, El-Hadi should be playing his best football this season. LB Ernest Hausmann Hausmann wears the green dot for Michigan's defense, which means he's responsible for relaying the defensive calls and getting everyone in the right position. NFL teams will be drawn to his leadership traits, his character and his ability to diagnose plays and chase down ball carriers in the open field. Hausmann led Michigan with 89 tackles last season in his first year as a full-time starter. He can improve at maintaining his balance and finishing plays, and teams will be looking for consistency when he drops back in coverage. He might not have the highest ceiling of any linebacker prospect in the class, but he has traits that will translate at the next level and a competitive makeup that will serve him well. Together, he and Barham can form one of the top linebacker duos in college football. DB Zeke Berry Berry made seven starts at nickel last season before moving outside to cornerback for the final five games. The versatility to play multiple positions should expand his value for NFL teams. He doesn't have prototypical size or length for an NFL cornerback at 5 feet 11, but he has track speed and showed a knack for making plays on the ball with a team-best 11 pass breakups and two interceptions. After showing promise in a small sample at cornerback last year, Berry will have a full season to build up his body of work. If he plays well, he'll have a choice to enter the draft or stay for a fifth season in college. K Dominic Zvada Zvada might be an even better kicking prospect than Jake Moody, a third-round pick of the 49ers in 2023. He was 21-for-22 on field goal attempts last season with seven makes from 50-plus, a Michigan career record. His kicks aren't sneaking through the uprights, either. With accuracy and range that extends to 55-plus, Zvada should be one of the top kickers in college football and will have a shot to hear his name called in next year's draft. Others to watch: DT Tré Williams, DT Damon Payne, RB Justice Haynes, WR Donaven McCulley, TE Marlin Klein, C Greg Crippen (Photo: Douglas P. DeFelice / Getty Images)
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Helping Nashville's Small Businesses Thrive: 100 Grant Packages Available Through Comcast RISE
Comcast RISE to Award $3 Million in Grants to 100 Local Small Businesses NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Comcast announced today it will award grant packages to 100 small businesses in Nashville and surrounding areas as part of its Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment (RISE) program. This marks the second time Comcast RISE has supported small businesses in Nashville, emphasizing Comcast's continued commitment to the city's entrepreneurial community. RISE's mission is to champion the growth of small businesses across Nashville while promoting digital inclusion and accessibility. The grants will provide resources and tools to help bridge the digital divide and foster opportunity. Nashville is one of five regions where 100 eligible small businesses will have the opportunity to receive grant packages through Comcast RISE, including Boston, MA, Grand Rapids, MI, Seattle, WA and South Valley, UT. These 500 total recipients will join the 14,000 entrepreneurs nationwide who have been supported through since the program launched in 2020. "As a small business, we know firsthand how challenging it can be—scrambling for resources, building a network, and learning the ropes," said Derrick Moore, Emanuel Reed, and Clint Gray, founders of Slim & Husky's. "A program like Comcast RISE can be a game-changer. The guidance, financial support, and digital tools Comcast RISE offers are exactly what Nashville's entrepreneurs need to take their vision to the next level." Nashville-based small businesses can apply to receive comprehensive grant packages through Comcast RISE that include: TECHNOLOGY MAKEOVER - Computer equipment and Internet, Voice, and Cybersecurity services for 12 months. CREATIVE PRODUCTION & MEDIA - Professionally produced 30-second TV commercial, plus a media strategy consultation and a 180-day linear media schedule. EDUCATION RESOURCES - 12-month access to online entrepreneurship courses, learning modules and resources for small business owners. MONETARY GRANT - $5,000 monetary grant. COACHING SESSIONS - Business assessment and coaching that provides business owners with recommendations on how to help grow their businesses. For more information or to apply, visit The application will be open May 1 – May 31. Comcast RISE is part of Project UP, the company's $1 billion commitment to create digital opportunity through programs and community partnerships that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers and creators. Digital opportunity means ensuring every Nashvillian, regardless of location or income, has the broadband access, digital tools, and skills needed to succeed in education, employment, and entrepreneurship. "Nashville is a city of innovators and go-getters, and initiatives like Comcast RISE are vital to providing local entrepreneurs the tools and resources they need to thrive," said Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell. "This program will uplift our small business community, drive economic growth, and ensure that opportunities extend to every corner of our city." Over 20 Years of Dedicated Support to Nashville Communities Comcast has partnered with local nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations in Nashville for over 20 years to promote digital inclusion. "Our goal is to unlock possibilities for all Nashvillians: Project UP is about ensuring that everyone has the tools and opportunities to succeed," said Mike McArdle, Senior Vice President, Big South Region, Comcast. "With programs like Comcast RISE, we are helping small businesses navigate challenges, grow, and ultimately create a stronger, more connected community." In the last three years alone, Comcast has donated more than $9.5 million to Nashville-based organizations and initiatives focused on digital inclusion. Since 2011, Comcast has connected more than 680,000 low-income Nashvillians to the Internet at home through its Internet Essentials program, which provides low-cost broadband Internet service to eligible low-income families. Comcast has also established seven Lift Zones in Nashville, offering free Internet access in safe community spaces for students to study, adults to build skills, access healthcare resources, and search for jobs. About Comcast CorporationComcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit for more information. Media ContactsPortia AkinsPortia_Akins@ 322-0332 Grace MainsGrace_Mains@ 266-8673 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Comcast Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Massive South Carolina wildfire jumps border, spreads into North Carolina
A massive wildfire burning for more than a week in South Carolina jumped the border Saturday and was spreading Sunday into North Carolina, where firefighters were already battling multiple blazes, officials said. The Table Rock Fire, which started on March 21 in the Table Rock State Park in Pickens County, South Carolina, had burned 11,468 acres total as of Sunday morning in both South Carolina and North Carolina, charring more than 500 acres overnight, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission. The Table Rock Fire is now the highest-priority fire in the United States as fire crews responded from multiple states to help battle the blaze, which prompted the evacuations of more than 1,400 homes and businesses on Thursday. As the fire spread across the border into North Carolina, the South Carolina Forestry Commission said firefighters had upped containment of the fire from 0% on Saturday to 9% by Sunday morning. Derrick Moore, operations section chief with the South Carolina Forestry Commission's Southern Area Blue Team, said fire crews are hoping that rain forecast for the area later Sunday and into Monday will help firefighters extinguish the flames. Pickens County Sheriff Tommy Blankenship said last week that investigators suspect the Table Rock Fire was started by four teenagers. He alleged that the negligent behavior of the teens caused the fire but declined to elaborate. 'They will be held accountable for their actions. I can promise you that," Blankenship said in a video posted to social media. Another fire, the Rattlesnake Branch Fire, spread Saturday from South Carolina's Pickens County into western North Carolina's Transylvania County, according to an update Sunday from Transylvania County officials. The Rattlesnake Branch Fire in North Carolina's Pisgah National Forest in Haywood County was burning close to the Transylvania County line but had not breached it, according to Transylvania County officials. The fire had burned nearly 1,900 acres and was 20% contained, according to the Sunday update. MORE: Video Thousands of acres scorched in Carolinas wildfires A third fire threatening to spread into Transylvania County is the Persimmon Ridge fire, which is burning in South Carolina near the Table Rock Fire and had grown to more than 2,000 acres as of Sunday afternoon. That fire also was threatening to jump the border into North Carolina, Transylvania County officials said. Meanwhile, in Polk County, North Carolina, three wildfires continue to burn but authorities said firefighters who have been battling the blazes for days had made significant progress. The Black Cove Complex Fire – comprised of three wildland blazes: the Black Cove Fire, the Deep Woods Fire and the Fish Hook Fire – had reached a combined 7,670 acres as of Sunday, according to Polk County officials. MORE: 3 major wildfires prompt evacuations in North Carolina's Polk County The Black Cove fire, which was started March 19 by a downed powerline, was 35% contained after burning 3,501 acres, officials said. The Deep Woods fire, which also started on March 19, has burned 3,970 acres, authorities said Sunday. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The Fish Hook Fire, which started March 20 by a downed powerline, was 100% contained on Sunday after burning 199 acres, according to officials. Massive South Carolina wildfire jumps border, spreads into North Carolina originally appeared on
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Wildfire threat increases for Helene-ravaged Carolinas as work to contain existing fires continues
POLK COUNTY, N.C. - New Fire Weather Warnings were issued Friday across parts of western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina amid a nearly weeklong battle with wildfires that are burning some of the same areas devastated by Hurricane Helene six months ago. According to the FOX Forecast Center, winds are forecast to pick up Friday afternoon. Combined with low humidity, conditions are ripe for the rapid enhancement of the ongoing fires, which have already scorched more than 18,000 acres across the Carolinas. Both states are under statewide burn bans Friday due to the heightened fire danger. Both governors declared states of emergency earlier in the week. Meanwhile, officials said lingering damage and debris from Hurricane Helene has hampered the firefighting effort. 6 Months Later: Recovery From Helene Flooding Ongoing In North Carolina "The Helene damage is actually one of the biggest contributing factors to the difficulty in fighting this fire," said North Carolina Forest Service Supervisor Nicholas Hoffmann on Tuesday. "Because of all the damage, the landslides, the lack of access that it has created … in addition to the steep, steep terrain and the high winds we're having right now." Winds are forecast to blow from the northeastern direction Friday afternoon. According to the FOX Forecast Center, gusts are expected to be in the 20-25 mph range with a few gusts, especially along ridge tops, over 30 mph. Those gusts will taper off around sunset. Humidity is expected to increase across the region on Saturday, reducing the fire threat. Parts of Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia are under Elevated Fire Danger. Video Shows Intense Flames Around Florida Homes As Dozens Of Wildfires Burn Across State The largest wildfire is the Table Rock Fire, which has burned more than 8,000 acres in upstate South Carolina and is straddling the North Carolina state line. South Carolina firefighters said Friday morning that their main objective is to create containment lines with bulldozers and perform targeted burnouts ahead of the wildfire's anticipated direction. They're also hoping combined resources can hold the firelines. "Today, one of our main priorities for the team is fully integrating [North Carolina firefighters] with the South Carolina group and bridging all of those gaps," said Derrick Moore, operations section chief with the Southern Area Blue Team. The Table Rock Fire remains at 0% containment. The Black Cover Fire complex threatening Polk and Henderson counties in North Carolina is the highest priority fire in that state, according to forestry officials. It has burned more than 3,000 acres and is 17% contained as of Thursday evening. The fire destroyed more than a dozen homes in Polk County on Tuesday. What's The Difference Between A 'Controlled' Fire And A 'Contained' Fire? Degrading air quality has become a growing concern for the region as wildfire smoke expands. North Carolina's Department of Environmental Quality has extended air quality advisories through Friday. In particular, people in Transylvania and Henderson counties are advised to avoid long or intense outdoor activities due to the smoke from the Table Rock Fire in South Carolina. Drivers are being told to be alert for smoke along Interstate 26. There are now at least seven areas of wildfire smoke impacting North Carolina air quality, officials said. The Rattlesnake Branch Fire in Cruso, North Carolina, grew to at least 400 acres and is sending smoke to nearby Asheville. Air quality in Asheville and Flat Rock in North Carolina dropped into the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category Thursday. Video from Asheville showed the smoky haze filling the skies. Air quality conditions in Greenville and Spartanburg in South Carolina are only faring a little article source: Wildfire threat increases for Helene-ravaged Carolinas as work to contain existing fires continues
