Michigan DB Mike Sainristil announces plans to return to school for a fifth year

Michigan defensive back Mike Sainristil announced his plans to return to Michigan for a fifth year for the 2023 season, he wrote late Sunday evening on his Twitter account. He decided to return to Michigan, instead of turning pro and entering the 2023 NFL Draft.

✍🏿〽️ pic.twitter.com/FWHWwBkj52

— FR0Z0NE🥶 (@MikeSainristil) December 5, 2022

He wrote in his announcement, “I want to start off by thanking Coach Harbaugh and the University of Michigan for an amazing 4 years. The opportunity coach gave me when he offered was one that changed my life beyond football. My family and I can’t thank you enough coach! The season is not over, in fact it is just getting started. Just like my time here at the University. With that being said, I will be back for my 5th year as a Wolverine and won’t be entering my name in the 2023 NFL Draft after the season. Team 143, Let’s finish the mission and bring the big one home! Go Blue! Hail to the Victors! #JOBNOTFINISHED–Mike Sainristil“

The gifted defensive back was named an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection for the 2022 season. Sainristil began his Michigan career on the offensive side of the football, before switching primarily to defense for the 2022 season. It looks like the switch was an excellent decision.

Sainristil earned Defensive Player of the Game honors for his performance against the Indiana Hoosiers. He also earned Defensive Player of the Week honors following the wins over Colorado State and Ohio State.

The 5-foot-10, 182-pound corner set a career-high in tackles this year against the Maryland Terrapins–when he racked up eight.

Sainristil opted to not enter the 2023 NFL Draft

The 2023 NFL Draft takes place from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. The event location this year is the plaza just outside of Union Station.

Round 1 of the NFL Draft begins at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 27. Rounds 2-3 will begin at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 28, and Rounds 4-7 will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 29. The draft broadcast runs throughout the weekend on both ESPN and NFL Network.

To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their final year of high school while having used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen are able to request league approval to become eligible for the draft, as are players who have graduated prior to using up all of their collegiate eligibility. One hundred underclassmen gained approval for last year’s draft. Seventy-three of those 100 underclassmen received special eligibility while 27 of them were underclassmen who had completed their college degrees.

The 2023 NFL scouting combine will take place from Feb. 28 through March 6 in Indianapolis.