5 things we learned in Michigan Football win over UConn

Cornerback is the most talented position on the team

The Wolverines made some plays in the backfield against UConn and one of the guys that did was nickel corner Mike Sainrsitil, who has been incredible.

Moving him to defense was a stroke of genius by head coach Jim Harbaugh and he’s been a pretty good replacement for Daxton Hill. I’m not ready to say he’s at that level yet. But Sainristil is just a damn good football player.

He’s been stellar in coverage but isn’t afraid to mix it up near the line of scrimmage and has been a sure-fire tackler. I love it. But he’s not alone at the cornerback position and through three games, no position group has been better.

Gemon Green and DJ Turner are both going to be playing in the NFL next season. Turner is definitely going to get drafted and Green should too. Sainristil is trending in that direction too, which is why five-star freshman Will Johnson isn’t starting yet.

Make no mistake, Johnson, which was graded as the best coverage corner in college football through two weeks by Pro Football Focus, is good enough to start. He’s been outstanding outside of allowing one touchdown catch, but the top three are so good he might not start all year.

As a group, the Wolverines are allowing less than four yards per pass attempt. Part of that is the pass rush, but the secondary has blanketed people. Next week will be the first real test, as Maryland has a dynamic passing offense, but I’ve been impressed with the corners.

It’s amazing how that’s gone from a weakness to a strength in just a couple of seasons and with many of some of the same names who struggled in 2020.