Michigan Football: PFF Names Mike Sainristil As Highest-Graded Player From Championship Weekend

After beginning his collegiate career as a wide receiver, Mike Sainristil has firmly established himself as one of the greatest defenders in Michigan Football history.

What a ride it has been for Michigan's Mike Sainristil. After beginning his collegiate career as a wide receiver, the fifth-year senior and captain has firmly established himself as one of the greatest defenders in Michigan Football history. 

Following Michigan's 26-0 over Iowa in the Big Ten Championship game, Sainristil became just the second defensive player ever to earn the conference championship MVP - joining former Wolverine Aidan Hutchinson. 

After 13 games in the 2023 season, Sainristil ranks No. 7 on the team in total tackles (30), No. 7 in tackles for loss (4.0), No. 7 in sacks (2.0), No. 1 in pass deflections (6), No. 1 in interceptions (5), and No. 1 in interceptions for a touchdown (2). Time and time again, Sainristil seems to be in the right place at the right time - and it usually occurs when his team needs it most. 

In the conference championship game against Iowa on Saturday, Sainristil was responsible for forcing two fumbles, one pass breakup, and made several key plays that wont necessarily show up on the stat sheet. 

Here's a look at some of Sainristil's top accomplishments as a Wolverine so far, courtesy of MGoBlue.com:

• Midseason All-American by ESPN (honorable mention)

• All-Big Ten selection (second team, coaches, 2023; first team, media, 2023; honorable mention, coaches and media, 2022)

• Won both the Offensive (2021, co-) and Defensive (2022) Skill Player of the Year Awards

• Four-year letterman (2019-20-21-22)

• Has appeared in 60 games in his career at wide receiver, defensive back, and on special teams with 33 starts (nine on offense, 23 on defense) and work at punt returner

Sainristil and the Wolverines are now taking a week to rest and rehab before turning their focus to the Rose Bowl and No. 4 Alabama on Jan. 1. Michigan enters the playoff with a No. 1 ranking for the first time since 1997, and the Wolverines will certainly be looking for a repeat of that '97 magic - a season that ended with an undefeated record and a national championship.