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Five former three-star recruits that played key roles in Michigan's natty run

ECCrzGbXkAEmHxxby:EJ Holland•01/11/24•

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Rod Moore
EJ Holland/On3

Michigan had a handful of former elite recruits on its national championship roster, including quarterback JJ McCarthy and running back Donovan Edwards. But the foundation of the squad was built on players that were developed under head coach Jim Harbaugh, strength coach Ben Herbert and the rest of the staff.

Here is a look at five former Industry three-star prospects that played key roles during Michigan’s national title-winning season.

WR Semaj Morgan, (No. 522, 2023)

There weren’t many people that expected Morgan to make an impact as a true freshman at Michigan. The former three-star prospect was considered an undersized slot receiver at 5-foot-9, 185 pounds, and those in charge of the rankings also questioned his speed. Morgan was ranked as a three-star by three of the four major recruiting services. On3 didn’t even have him ranked as a Top 140 wide receiver nationally. Morgan, however, was always a dog and fought his way onto the field. Morgan was named an All-Big Ten honorable mention selection and set a Big Ten championship record with an 87-yard punt return against Iowa.

DL Kris Jenkins, (No. 487, 2020)

Jenkins was considered a tweener EDGE recruit coming out of DMV powerhouse Good Counsel and was ranked as a three-star by the three major recruiting services in existence at the time. Jenkins packed a ton of weight during his time in Ann Arbor and blossomed into ‘The Mutant’ thanks in large part to the aforementioned Herbert. Jenkins was a huge piece to the natty run this year and earned All-American and All-Big Ten honors. Jenkins recorded a sack in the semifinal contest against Alabama and was one of the faces of the team throughout the year.

LB Michael Barrett, (No. 748, 2018)

Barrett put up big stats as a senior coming out of Valdosta (Ga.) Lowndes… at quarterback. A versatile athlete, some expected Barrett to stay on the offensive side of the ball at the next level. However, Barrett turned into a linebacker at Michigan and had a long career in Ann Arbor that saw him start 33 games and earn All-Big Ten honors twice. Barrett had a big game in the semifinal against Alabama, recording nine tackles and a sack. Barrett played extremely well alongside former elite recruit Junior Colson and definitely outplayed his three-star ranking. 247 had him outside of the Top 85 recruits in Georgia.

DB Mike Sainristil, (No. 590, 2019)

ESPN deserves a big shoutout for ranking Sainristil as a four-star prospect. Both 247 and Rivals had the New England native listed as a mid-three recruit. At the time, Sainristil was projected to play wide receiver at the next level. However, Sainristil moved over to the defensive side of the ball as a senior in 2022, and the rest is history. Sainristil had several memorable plays throughout his final two years in Ann Arbor and was one of the best defensive backs in the country this season, earning All-American honors. Obviously, Sainristil made his mark in the national title game, notching eight tackles and an interception to seal the victory.

DB Rod Moore, (No. 483, 2021)

Moore’s rankings were all over the place. Both On3 and 247 graded him as a low four-star prospect. ESPN had him as a high three-star recruit. Rivals had him as a mid three-star recruit and ranked outside of the Top 50 safeties nationally. Moore has outplayed every ranking during his career in Ann Arbor. The Ohio native and Buckeye killer made an impact as a true freshman and grew into an All-Big Ten selection over the last two seasons. Moore notched nine tackles and a pass breakup in Michigan’s two playoff games and heads into next season as an All-American candidate — if he returns.

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