Michigan's freshman DBs could be special, and Mike Sainristil is helping make that a reality

Michigan Wolverines defensive backs coach and co-defensive coordinator Steve Clinkscale has a room full of young pieces and fresh faces in 2023. As the Wolverines work themselves into a compete defense, it is clear that the freshmen class could have an impact as early as this year, and Clinkscale embraces that.

Cornerback DJ Waller in particular has turned heads of late, and his perpetual improvements have impressed Clinkscale.

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“The older guys like having him around,” Clinlscale said on Wednesday. “He’s a big, physical presence. Doesn’t say much, he’s quiet. But he works hard. In the game [against East Carolina], we felt like he could’ve made two tackles. His angle to the ball carrier was not proper and the one time he pushed the guy out of bounds which we don’t do, just go watch UNLV. First play of the game they try to push a guy out of bounds and they score a touchdown. That’s why we don’t push. You get a penalty.

“He’s learned from that and he wanted to do it during the opportunity scrimmage [in Monday’s practice] and he did that. He shows that he can tackle, he’s in there tackling people and watching him in practice, trying to thud everybody up. Whatever you talk to him about, he goes and he works on that thing. It’s not an issue anymore. That’s what we like about him. You’re fine with correcting and coaching as long as you don’t have to do it over and over and over again. He’s one of those guys that you correct him once or twice and he’ll find a way to get it done.”

There has been plenty of hype around the play of Jyaire Hill, Cameron Calhoun, Waller, Brandyn Hillman and others. Clinkscale knows they are going to be the backbone of the room at some point, and sees lots of growth in their game early on.

Enough to where Michigan is gaining trust in putting them on the field.

“That whole freshmen class, including Cameron Calhoun, those guys have a lot of talent,” Clinkscale said. “DJ Waller is very focused. His focus is rubbing off on the other guys and now they’re locked in a lot more. You see them in there when I give them a chance to play, they’re trying to concentrate on their job, execute so that we can trust them. I told them, if we can trust you guys on the field, we’re going to play you because those guys. They’re special now. The older guys know that. I’m an honest guy, if you guys can’t tell, I’m a straight-forward guy. My players know these four guys, they’re just as talented if not more talented than you guys in this room. When you guys leave, these guys might set the bar even higher.

“It’s your legacy to teach them so they continue to make it grow. Your legacy is to teach the young guys coming in to be humble and learn from these older players just like you’re going to ask the next group in two or three years. We’ll keep elevating as a secondary and as a defensive unit. That’s my job to bridge that gap and make sure that there’s no separation but those young guys can keep growing. They’re very talented, they’re smart young men, they work hard and they’ve bought into the culture. I like being around them. It’s been really fun coaching them.”

Mike Sainristil setting the tone for Michigan DBs

Team captain Mike Sainristil is into his second year as a defensive back and fifth with the program, and has taken on a mentorship role to the entire group. Clinkscale singled him out as someone who has set the bar at Michigan and taken on an on-field coaching role.

His presence could help this young defensive back group accelerate its development.

“You have followers, you have leaders and you have influencers,” Clinkscale said. “I think Mikey is an influencer. Mikey has changed the mindset of everybody on our team, not just the defensive backs. He’s easy to be drawn to. If I was a player, I’d be right there next to him. We watched film last week and watched a guy play man defense and he made a good play. Guess who it was? It was number zero. Watched someone destroy a block. It was zero. He got beat on a play and the guy caught the ball running down the sideline, he punched it out. Sounds familiar guys? Number zero.

“He never stops. He’s always going and going. When he makes a mistake, like I mentioned earlier, the great ones correct it. He’s a great guy to be around. He’s always trying to do things with the players. He’s never too busy, never. The young guys want to watch the film and we may not be around or in meetings, Mikey texts them [and says] in the building. ‘If anyone is around let’s watch film.’ That’s why they want to be around. He shows them just like a coach, he shows them that he cares and he loves them so that’s why they always want to be around them. I love that kid.

“I love all our players but he’s a special kid.”

Michigan is back in action next week against UNLV at Michigan Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.