Maize n Brew · Dec 2, 2023
Mike Sainristil’s continued versatility: changing from offense to defense, inside to outside
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesAt the beginning of the third quarter last Saturday, as the Michigan Wolverines held a slim 14-10 lead over the Ohio State Buckeyes, top outside cornerback Will Johnson left the game due to injury. Johnson was matched up for most of the first half with top NFL wide receiver prospect, Marvin Harrison Jr., holding him to just two catches in the half.
When Johnson left, the entire defensive backfield had to reconfigure. Josh Wallace stayed on the outside, Mike Sainristil moved from the nickel position to outside corner, and junior Ja’Den McBurrows played at nickel. It was an all hands on deck approach to account for the star wide receiver.
