More than a month removed from the College Football Playoff Championship, former Michigan football star Mike Sainristil still receives recognition for his phenomenal performance in the title game win over the Washington Huskies. Sainristil finished the contest with eight tackles and a late game-clinching interception off Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. On Friday, former Huskies star wideout Jalen McMillan spoke about his time in college, calling Michigan’s Sainristil the “toughest” player he faced in college.
Washington WR Jalen McMillan: Praises Sainristil
“He (Mike Sainristil) was pissing me off. He was calling out formations, routes,” said former Washington Huskies wide receiver Jalen McMillan when pressed about the most formidable player he faced in college.
McMillan played against many of the best defensive backs in his time with the Washington Huskies, playing 38 games across four seasons. McMillan routinely diced up opposing corners, accumulating 164 catches and 2,143 receiving yards in his tenure with the Huskies, highlighted by a 79-catch, 1,098-yard campaign in 2022. However, the California native struggled in the title game against Michigan, specifically Mike Sainristil, catching only 6-of-11 targets for 33 yards and one score. The usually electric Washington offense struggled, with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. finishing the contest 27-of-51 for 255 yards with two scores and a pick.
Washington WR Jalen McMillan says Michigan DB Mike Sainristil is the toughest player he faced in college.
“He was pissing me off…he was calling out formations…routes.”
— Nolan Bianchi (@nolanbianchi) March 1, 2024
McMillan’s statement of respect towards Sainristil comes just months after Michigan was under the microscope for a sign-stealing scandal. Staffer Connor Stalions resigned at the peak of the investigation, while head coach Jim Harbaugh got slapped with a three-game suspension.
Michigan Football DB Mike Sainristil: Projected Day 2 Pick
According to NFL Draft Buzz, Mike Sainristil owns a late second-round grade heading into this week’s NFL Scouting Combine. After three years of limited action, Sainristil’s career took off in 2022. He collected 58 tackles, two sacks, an interception, and seven passes defended as a senior. Sainristil returned for the 2023 season, posting a career-high six interceptions and two forced fumbles. He also scored twice, returning interceptions for touchdowns against Rutgers and Michigan State.
Sainristil has received acclaim for using his length to make plays on the ball while having good top-end speed. He also has a good change of direction and outstanding instincts. However, NFL Draft Buzz considered his inside technique in man coverage and tackling ability weaknesses heading into next month’s NFL draft.
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