Michigan football star cornerback breaks down his decision to return to Michigan

Michigan football is in a great position to take home a national championship. The Wolverines are returning many experienced players from the 2022 roster and are ready to run it back. Michigan football star cornerback Mike Sainristil is one of the many players who decided to stay with the Wolverines despite being draft eligible this offseason.

Sainristil was recently featured on Michigan Athletic’s Those Who Stay series and broke down why he decided to return to Michigan.

Michigan football star cornerback Mike Sainristil discusses decision to stay

In 2022, Sainristil had his most productive year as a Wolverine. Following the 2021 season, Sainristil made the transition from wide receiver to cornerback.

The transition to defense was flawless and Sainristil finally found a role where he could see regular playing time. He finished the season with 58 total tackles, two sacks, and an interception.

Sainristil’s defensive performance was enough to earn him an All-Big Ten honorable mention. In the offseason, Sainristil had the option to declare for the NFL Draft but chose to stay with the Wolverines instead.

Sainristil told Michigan Athletics, “I had the option to leave and turn my name into the NFL Draft, but you know I decided to stay, and I did that because I felt like my time here wasn’t done. I had one year of defense, I wanted more experience on defense, put more on film. And lastly, I just want to win a national championship with my teammates.”

𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲: 𝐄𝐩. 𝟔 – @MikeSainristil

The ultimate team player who will do whatever it takes to help this team be what it can be.#GoBlue | @cheezit pic.twitter.com/aEFJzmlXks

— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) June 23, 2023

“Ann Arbor is home to me”

Sainristil also emphasized his love of the city of Ann Arbor as one of the reasons for his return.

“Year after year, Ann Arbor is always ranked top 3 as a college town… the people here are great, you walk around, everybody’s nice to you,” said Sainristil. He finished by saying, “Ann Arbor is home to me. I love my teammates… there’s no place like home.”

Sainristil is expected to be starting at cornerback alongside Will Johnson for the 2023 season. This will be Sainristil’s final season of eligibility.

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