The Wisconsin Badgers football staff has eyed yet another College Football Transfer Portal entry, but this time the player is from a conference rival.
Michigan safety R.J. Moten has entered the transfer portal, @247SportsPortal has learned. Moten made 10 starts for Michigan in 2022, finishing the season with 31 tackles, 3 TFls and an INT. https://t.co/fT9QIx1Asl
— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) April 24, 2023
RJ Moten, a former four-star recruit in the 2020 recruiting class, has received some buzz from the Badgers after entering the College Football Transfer Portal this week. Moten was recruited out of high school by Wisconsin but never made it to Madison for a visit. After landing on the Michigan campus, the recruit committed on the spot for the team upon meeting with the coaching staff. Now a senior in college, Moten has entered the Transfer Portal after two successful seasons with the Wolverines.
Wisconsin Badgers Football: Safety RJ Moten Flooded On Twitter
The talented safety has not officially announced his College Football Transfer Portal status to his followers yet. On3 Sports logged Moten into their transfer portal database on April 24th, and a 247 Sports article announced that Moten had left the university. Already, Twitter recruiting has started for the transfer as fans have begun to like old tweets Moten posted of offers he received in high school.
The Florida Gators have been eagerly recruiting Moten since the College Football Transfer Portal entrance. Moten is the son of former Gators and Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Ron Moten, which may influence his landing spot. Although, given the talent and ability of the transfer, he will likely be able to pick through a large number of schools.
After only making one appearance for Michigan in 2020, Moten returned in 2021 to earn the starting job at safety for the Wolverines. In 14 games, the safety recorded 34 total tackles, one interception, and four pass defenses. This past season, the starter recorded 31 total tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, and one interception.
Will Wisconsin Offer RJ Moten Following His Michigan Departure?
While it may seem odd for some that the Badgers would consider offering Moten, it would make sense given the direction the coaching staff is going in. Coach Luke Fickell once recruited Moten to become a Bearcat but was unsuccessful then. Fickell is looking to potentially add another slot corner or versatile safety that can play man coverage at a high level. For the Wisconsin Badgers football team, Moten may be the perfect fit.
At 6 foot-1-inch, 225 pounds, Moten is a big defensive back with an explosive burst. Moten has the size to take down physical running backs and receivers himself. The transfer also has an excellent tackling ability both in the open field and even in the backfield of many offenses. His ability to read offenses allows him to get an extra step on his opponents.
The versatility that Moten could provide is perhaps his best attribute. In high school, Moten played linebacker, cornerback, safety, and running back for his team. When the safety reached the Michigan Wolverines, he also got the chance to return a few kicks but never recorded any return yards.
Perhaps coach Luke Fickell will make another run at safety RJ Moten before he finds his next destination. The Wisconsin Badgers football team would be a perfect fit for the talents of Moten, although it seems unlikely at this time that he will land with the team in the College Football Transfer Portal.
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