While recruiting is the lifeblood of a program, sometimes, retaining talent you very well could lose can be as well. Whether it’s to the NFL draft or NCAA transfer portal, bona fide, proven talent can be gone in a flash.
So, when a big-time player comes back when they don’t have to, it’s a big deal.
Michigan football received such a shot in the arm on Sunday night when one of its favorite sons and a team captain announced he plans to return for a fifth year. And they’re getting production, as said fifth-year player is Mike Sainristil, who switched from wide receiver to defensive back this offseason.
✍🏿〽️ pic.twitter.com/FWHWwBkj52
— FR0Z0NE🥶 (@MikeSainristil) December 5, 2022
Sainristil joins transfer Eyabi Okie as Wolverines who have announced they plan to return in 2023. In 2022, he leads the team with seven passes broken up and is fourth on the team with 51 tackles.
He arrived as a three-star from Everett (Massachusetts) in 2019 and was a productive receiver when that was his primary position. With the 2020 COVID-19 year, Sainristil can return for another year despite having never redshirted.
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