Michigan freshman receiver Mike Sainristil could receive significant snaps in 2019

True freshman wideout Mike Sainristil has made positive impressions during spring camp, and his play may lead to earning a starting spot.

“He’s on his way to cementing a spot in the starting lineup as well,” Jim Harbaugh said on his Attack Each Day Podcast. “Doing fantastic job at all the receiver positions.”

Harbaugh’s scouting report on Sainristil shows a well-rounded player, someone who is physical and fast.

“He’s really been outstanding. He’s getting open. He’s fast. He’s added a level of speed and quickness to our offense. Has been outstanding,” Harbaugh said at his Wednesday presser. “Josh talks about ‘speed in space,’ and Mikey’s doing a heckuva job in that area. And also blocking. There have been times where it’s showed up where he’s blocking 45 yards downfield, getting touchdown blocks.

Of course this is April, but the 3-star freshman is making his presence known during a stretch where both Nico Collins and Donovan Peoples-Jones are missing time due to injuries.

Sainristil played cornerback and receiver in high school, and was the No. 1 rated CB in the state of Massachusetts. Harbaugh noted that somewhere down the line he could become a two-way player. That speaks to Sainristil’s athleticism and football IQ, as it’s hard to play both sides of the ball and not be a student of the game.

Sainristil stands at 5-11 and 175 pounds, but you can bet under the guidance of the strength and conditioning coaches, he may get up to 190 pounds with a lot of added muscle to his frame. Michigan wideouts bulked up last off-season, this off-season should be no different.

Harbaugh loves talented receivers that are tough, willing blockers, prepared to get physical to help spring a long run. The blocking skills of wideouts can be crucial for outside runs, so the fact Sainristil has been impressing Harbaugh in this regard is a positive development

It sounds as if Sainristil keeps doing what he’s doing he could be playing significant snaps for Michigan in 2019.

“Mikey just needs to keep doing what he’s doing,” Harbaugh said. “He has an intensity about him in practices and in meetings. He’s hungry, doing a great job. All compliments to Mike Sainristil as long as he takes these compliments and, as they say, don’t inhale. Should be good.”

Harbaugh is basically saying don’t let the praise get to your head, keep grinding and you’ll get to where you need to be.

The emergence of players like Sainristil make the spring game all the more interesting, as we get a small glimpse into how the offense is coming together, and how a player may be finding their groove.

Who exactly is Mike Sainristil? The description sounds promising, and we’ll be seeing him in action soon.