Signee Spotlight: Fredrick Moore ready to prove he's biggest steal in 2023 class
Editor’s Note: This story originally ran in the Michigan recruiting edition of The Wolverine Magazine, which is available for purchase here.
Fredrick Moore may only be a three-star prospect, but he definitely doesn’t lack in the confidence department — nor should he.
Moore had a monster senior campaign, racking up more than 1,500 yards receiving en route to leading St. Louis Cardinal Ritter College Prep to a state title. Still, Moore remains one of the more undervalued recruits in Michigan’s 2023 class.
Moore, who enrolled at Michigan in January, has a big chip on his shoulder and is ready to prove any doubter wrong.
“I just look at it as motivation,” Moore said. “All that rankings talk bites the dust when you get to college. I’m just ready to put my abilities on the line and show why I’m a great player.
“Everybody might be thinking I’m a regular three-star, but I feel like I’m a special gem. I’m going to buy in at Michigan and play with determination.”
Moore didn’t have the most impressive offer sheet, but he did pick U-M over Big Ten bunkmates Illinois and Michigan State last summer. Two big factors for Moore were development and getting to showcase his talents on the biggest stage in college football.
“Michigan was the right fit for me,” Moore said. “Michigan is a winning program, and that comes with attention. I know I’ll be getting development from all the coaches. It’s just a great fit for me as a player.”
Michigan wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy was always a believer in Moore.
Bellamy went down to St. Louis to see him in person during the 2022 spring evaluation period and extended an offer. Moore quickly ascended to the top of the wide receiver board, and the two formed a strong relationship.
“Coach Bellamy is a really cool guy,” Moore said. “He always shows me love and tells me he’s proud of me. But he also shows me what I can do better and what I can tune up in my game. It’s really impressive to learn from him. He thinks I can be a big value and he’ll teach me the Michigan way. I feel like he can show me a lot. I trust him.”
Michigan, of course, is known as a run-heavy team. The Wolverines have a “smash” mentality that can often scare away elite receivers looking for more pass-happy systems.
However, Moore never looked at Michigan’s offensive system as a negative. Instead, he embraces it.
“You have to make the best of your opportunities,” he said. “I know that no receiver is getting 10 catches per game. I always say, ‘Don’t count your reps, make your reps count.’ I feel like I’m a great route runner and can make explosive plays. When you run the ball a lot, it can open up opportunities for you.”
