Jim Harbaugh talks potential of extra year for some Michigan players prior to senior day
The Michigan senior class will go down as one that helped change the trajectory of the program under Jim Harbaugh, no matter what they accomplish this year after a 10-0 start. They helped capture the program’s first Big Ten title since 2004, its first outright championship since 2003, and changed the culture for the better.
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On Saturday, they’ll be honored on senior day on what’s going to be the last home game of the their careers for many of them. Several still have extra years of eligibility due to the COVID year, but most will move on, Harbaugh confirmed.
“More people have an extra year of eligibility, but there’s maybe one or two that would actually use that extra year,” the Michigan coach said. “We’ll see. It’s not going to be a high number.
“Our guys have played extremely well. Some will be leaving the program this year after three years. Some will be leaving after four, most — [maybe] I don’t want to say most — but within that five-year window. I think they’ve been developed and played well enough on the field to show their value at the next level that it’s not going to take a sixth year for them to do that. So … that’s a credit to them. That’s a credit to the program.”
Some could get NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals to stick around, too. A few close to the collectives believe that’s the place to start when it comes to getting the players what they’re due, and setting a precedent for recruits, too.
One player who could get a look and benefit himself (and the team) — Mike Sainristil. The senior has had an incredible year after making the move from receiver to defensive back, and he could take it to another level with a second outstanding season. Many believe he has an NFL future there.
Senior Mike Morris appears set to move on as a potential first round pick, but there are others, too, who could be approached for another season … and will be.
Whether they stay or go, Harbaugh will never forget this group.
“Tremendous. It is a large group, somewhere around 40, 42, or 43,” the Michigan coach said. “It’s been a tremendous, tremendous group. It’s made my day-to-day so good, just being around the type of guys that they are.
“They work so hard. They cause me very little grief at any time. I can’t say enough good things, really. They’re just great guys, and they don’t have adult problems. They’re really good, focused, genuine, down to earth guys. Some will be leaving the program … some will be back. But we’ll support them all, because they’ve just been so good.”
