With huge expectations for this upcoming season for the Wolverines, there will certainly also be huge expectations for many of the returning players. I believe these three players will live up to the hype and have a huge impact on the team’s success this fall.
DB Mike Sainristil
Mike Sainristil had a huge impact on defense last year, and for his very first season at the position on the college level, he played phenomenally. He finished the 2022 season with 58 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and an interception. Mike was constantly flying around all over the field on defense and looked natural, playing pass coverage and blitzing. He was a leader on defense all year, and his decision to return this year was huge for the Wolverines.
I fully expect Mike to have an all-B1G year and to help command one of the nation’s best defenses this year.
Quarterback JJ. McCarthy
This list would not be complete without JJ making it and for good reason. In order for the Wolverines to have the type of success (and more) that they had last season, JJ has to be poised and make great decisions in the pocket and with the ball this season. With the offense possibly becoming more 50-50 run/pass this season, JJ must show his improvements with the deep ball, much like he showed flashes toward the end of the season last year.
On Monday, during media availability, he talked about how this offense must be balanced to “get over the hump.” With a full offseason under his belt and new full-time offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore taking over full play-calling duties, I expect a huge improvement in JJ’s ability to step up and make huge plays in huge situations and for this offense to be extremely dynamic.
I believe that JJ will lead this offense and have a huge year, having a huge impact on the ground with his legs, and show a lot of improvement with his ability to make big-time throws in big-time situations.
Michigan QB JJ McCarthy (9) – AP Photo/Darron Cummings
Running Back Donovan Edwards
I believe Donovan is in for a huge impact season this fall. Last year he had over 900 yards rushing, averaging 7.1 yards per carry, with 18 receptions for 200 yards. Donovan truly is a dual-threat guy, and with his speed, we could see him playing receiver this season as well as running back. His impact on the field can be felt in different ways, too, as he can come out of the backfield as a receiver, mismatching with linebackers and using his speed to get open, and at running back, where his burst out of a hole in the defense is almost instant.
Edwards’ big play-making ability is why he made this list, as he can make plays any time he has the ball. While he may not have as many rushing yards this season as Blake Corum, I could see him doubling his receiving yards and being used more often in trick plays. I am certain that defenses will have a lot of attention on number 7 on offense for the Wolverines this fall, which should also open up opportunities for other players to make plays as well.
I fully expect a huge year rushing and receiving for Donovan, as his skill and impact on the field is perfectly paired with his leadership and drive to do whatever it takes to help this team win.
Michigan RB Donovan Edwards (7) – Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images
I expect a lot of production and huge plays from Mike, JJ, and Donovan this season, and I’m excited to see what this year’s team can do, and the impact each three will have on the team and at their positions.
