DETROIT – Michigan Wolverines national champion Mike Sainristil, whose name resonates with pride and glory, was drafted by the Washington Commanders at pick No. 50 in the second round of the NFL draft on Friday, marking a significant milestone in his journey from college football to the grand stage of the NFL.
Sainristil’s journey with the Wolverines was nothing short of spectacular. As a former wide receiver, he not only mastered the art of making astronomical plays on the defensive side of the ball but also played a pivotal role in the team’s success, especially during the thrilling 2023 season.
The 5′10″ 182-pound senior cornerback had 44 total tackles with 26 solos, 18 assists, two sacks, and two forced fumbles, with one of his most memorable tackles taking place in the Big Ten Championship, where he was named MVP in the 26-0 thrashing of the Iowa Hawkeyes inside Lucas Oil Stadium.
Sainristil is dependable, with supernatural athleticism and a massive upside. His field awareness and profound detail for the game make him the ultimate weapon as a nickel corner and/or zone defender.
His unique set of skills earned him a Second-team All-Big Ten Conference selection. He was also tied for third in the FBS with six interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns, like the one he scored against the Michigan State Spartans.
His tenacity, twitch, and footwork helped lead the Wolverines to an undefeated season, which capped off a 15-0 season, the first in program history.