Jim Harbaugh reveals level of surprise regarding CJ Stokes' performance

Michigan Wolverines running back CJ Stokes made his college football debut as a true freshman against Colorado State in their season opener. The lights did not appear to be too bright for the young running back as he was poised and showed a level of preparation not customarily seen in a true freshman. While everyone was surprised about Stokes’s level of readiness, Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh was not one of them. In fact, he told his freshman some time ago that his ability to prepare would put him in the spotlight.

“No. I really thought he was going to have a big game. I told him that in the days leading up to the game, like, ‘I don’t know if it’s going to be this week or next week, but you’re going to be one of those freshmen that everybody’s talking about,'” said Harbaugh. “He’s just good. Super important to him. He is studier and is a very focused player; really talented too. It was fun to see his first run be a long 13-14 yard pickup.”

Against Colorado State, Stokes would rush the ball six times for 35 yards. He also caught one pass for 15 yards.

According to On3’s consensus recruiting database, Stokes was a three-star prospect out of South Carolina. he ranked No. 767 in the country, No. 61 at running back. He was the eighth-best player to come out of South Carolina. Stokes may not have been a highly touted recruit, but given his level of preparation and skill, he has carved out some playing time in an already crowded Wolverines backfield. And if he keeps up this level of production, next season Stokes could be option number one for Michigan at running back.

Harbaugh points out two Michigan players who ‘were everywhere’ against Colorado State

The Wolverines’ offense was productive, hanging 44 points on Colorado State, and the defense helped out with 7 points of its own in the 51-7 win, on a scoop and score from senior cornerback DJ Turner. Head coach Jim Harbaugh‘s favorite part of the defensive performance was winged helmets flying to the football.

There were plenty of standouts, with 9 players combining to make 11 tackles for loss, an interception and a forced fumble. But Harbaugh pointed to 1 defender who stood out above the rest — senior defensive back Mike Sainristil. A converted wide receiver, a lot of eyes were watching the nickelback. He impressed early on, most notably with a sack on the first 3rd down of the game.

“Mike Sainristil was everywhere,” Harbaugh said on the Inside Michigan Football radio show Monday night.