Changing positions in college is usually an excuse for wanting to test the transfer portal. However, that wasn't the case for these four stalwarts who journeyed the traverse with their coach, who saw what others missed in them while recruiting their underestimated talents to Michigan. Here are four of the best players who changed positions while wearing the maize and blue during Jim Harbaugh's second stint at his alma mater.
4. Kalel Mullings
Mullings was on the defensive side of the ball for three seasons and instead of transferring out, he found his niche at running back, even if it was for just one productive year. He'll be remembered most for his battering ram running style that basically, single handedly beat Ohio State in Columbus. He went unblemished against the Buckeyes in his time in Ann Arbor and his words after the 2024 contest were 100 percent justified and hit the bullseye.
3. Hassan Haskins
Haskins is the epitome of a Jim Harbaugh-coached player. He went from a no-name to a Heisman contender in one season. He managed to amass 30 touchdowns and over 2,000 yards in three years out of the backfield. Following coach Harbaugh to Los Angeles had to be bittersweet for both of them.
2. Michael Barrett
Some might not recall that Barrett initially came to Michigan fooball as a running back. His transition to linebacker peaked in 2022, and for staying the course, he was rewarded with one of the most successful careers in Michigan history. He was also as durable as they come for playing such a physical position.
1. Mike Sainristil
Then there's the poster boy for coach Harbaugh's teams. He took a three-star kid from Massachusetts and molded him into a guy that Nick Saban called "the best football player, pound-for-pound" in the 2024 NFL draft. You cannot possibly garnish more praise than that. You can venture to say that Sainristil ended up having a better career in a Michigan uniform than Will Johnson. He's a guaranteed lock for the College Football Hall of Fame someday.