Jay Harbaugh discusses safety improvement, Semaj Morgan (with video)
PASADENA, Calif. — For the most part in the secondary, Michigan football had few concerns entering the 2023 season. But things weren’t so easy once the time for play arrived.
Rod Moore was injured to start the year, but once he got acclimated following Week 4 against Rutgers, the tandem of Moore and Makari Paige was as potent as it was the year before.
At Rose Bowl media day, WolverinesWire spoke to Jay Harbaugh about the safety position and how Moore and Paige have continued growing in their roles despite being stalwarts as returning starters.
“I think — everything, they’re taking it to another level,” Harbaugh said. “So like, problem-solving on the field a lot of times, there’s the element of being able to make a call and get something fixed, they’re able to say, ‘Hey, if this happens, we’re gonna do this,’ and really anticipate and get ahead of problems. I think that’s a that’s been fantastic to see.
“Both of them doing a great job taking care of their bodies and staying really healthy after the beginning of this year, which was great, and also been great leaders with the younger guys, so really pleased with them.”
While Moore and Paige have continued ascending, it’s meant a diminished role for sophomore Keon Sabb, who got early play before being relegated again to a reserve role.
Harbaugh understands how the seeming demotion can feel demoralizing, but he’s been pleased with how Sabb has remained engaged and what it takes to keep a player who’s tasted success energized despite seeing the field less.
“I think it can be challenging for a guy, especially once they get a taste of what that’s like, and they have a good time out there,” Harbaugh said. “Winning is the most helpful thing, everyone on the team that’s winning. And, if you are then you take care of business, and maybe your guys that are twos or threes can get in there more to what really Rod and Makari are — also such great team players that they know they’re going to be better they play 40 or 45 snaps and not the entire game. So they’re comfortable coming off the field, letting chaos come in, to come in. And those guys are playing at a high level too.”
Harbaugh also spoke about Quinten Johnson’s improvement this season as well as Semaj Morgan’s role on special teams as well as his personality. You can watch the entire exclusive exchange below.
