Wolverine TV: Cade McNamara, Mazi Smith, Mike Sainristil talk Michigan spring ball, more
Michigan Wolverines football redshirt sophomore quarterback Cade McNamara, redshirt sophomore defensive tackle Mazi Smith and junior wide receiver / defensive back Mike Sainristil met with the media Thursday night to discuss the team’s spring practices, the new feel on the team and more.
McNamara discussed the quarterback battle between he and sophomore J.J. McCarthy, what his offseason has been like and more. Smith talked about having a new defensive coordinator in Jesse Minter, what he’s like compared to the old regime under Mike Macdonald, what kind of leadership role he’s taking on, new defensive line coach Mike Elston and more. Meanwhile, Sainristil discussed his exploration of playing defensive back, after being a wide receiver during his first two years at Michigan. He could also play wideout and on special teams, becoming a very rare three-way player.
Michigan football is five practices into its 15 practice spring session. The Wolverines started two weeks ago, had a week off for spring break before returning Monday. They will conclude with an April 2 spring game at The Big House, the first of its kind with fans in the stands since 2019, meaning many of the Michigan Wolverines’ players have gone through the process before.
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Michigan QB Cade McNamara
Wolverines DT Mazi Smith
Michigan WR / DB Mike Sainristil
Michigan is looking to ride the momentum from a 12-2 season last year that included its first Big Ten championship since 2004, its first ever College Football Playoff appearance and a win over Ohio State for the first time in a decade. The Wolverines open the 2022 season with Colorado State at Michigan Stadium Sept. 3, which kicks off a four-game home stand to open up the campaign. They then travel to Iowa, but get Michigan State and Penn State at home, then finish with a date against the Buckeyes at the end of the regular season.
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