The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1503142
2023 SEASON PREVIEW MICHIGAN'S 2023 CAPTAINS: BEST BETS Michigan has only one of five captains returning this year, two having transferred and two moving on to the NFL. Here's who we believe will get the nod this season: Defense — DB Mike Sainristil This one is the no-brainer. MIKE SAINRISTIL was a captain last year after making the move from re- ceiver without hesitation. Not only did he do it without complaint, but he also played the position at an extremely high level throughout the season. His play at Ohio State in his first year at the position will be remembered forever. The dark horses — senior Kris Jenkins and gradu- ate student linebacker Michael Barrett: Jenkins started talking like a captain at the end of last sea- son, and he's an example of everything that's right in that defensive room. He spent all last offseason putting on weight, and it paid off in a big way on the field. He's doing it again this year, and the young guys in the room are following his lead. Barrett is the "old man" in the room, back for a sixth season. It's clear his teammates respect him. He's improved greatly by putting in the work. Offense — RB Blake Corum The senior running back is one of the hardest work- ers head coach Jim Harbaugh has ever had, and his example off the field with his charity work proves what a special person he is, too. Corum returned despite Harbaugh telling him he should probably take his talents to the NFL, because he wanted to go out healthy and a champion again. That's special, and we expect his teammates to reward him for it with a captaincy. The dark horses — offensive guards Trevor Keegan and Zak Zinter, quarterback J.J. McCarthy: The Michigan offensive guards essentially made a deal walking off the field after the TCU game that they couldn't leave on such a loss. That alone speaks to their candidacy, but they also happen to be great examples on and off the field. McCarthy is a born leader who commanded the respect of the huddle as a sophomore. This could be one of those years that we see multiple (plus) captains, and he should be one of them. THE WOLVERINE 2023 FOOTBALL PREVIEW ■ 35 PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL J.J. McCarthy leads the Wolverines on to the field at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis last season for the Big Ten title game, a 43-22 Michigan win against Purdue. PHOTO BY CHAD WEAVER