Mike Sainristil is aiming for the stars as he gets set to embark on his NFL journey. The Washington Commanders believe they got a steal when the cornerback fell into their laps at No. 50 overall. That’s not a sure thing by any stretch, but the early signs are extremely encouraging.
Sainristil received some glowing praise from respected figures once the college selection process concluded. Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban proclaimed he was the best pound-for-pound prospect in the 2024 class. His smooth transition to the Commanders over early offseason workouts only raised optimism further about what he could potentially accomplish.
This is all positive for Sainristil. He’s also ensuring complacency doesn’t become an issue by working exceptionally hard away from the facility in readiness for Washington’s upcoming training camp.
Mike Sainristil working out with Commanders legend Darrell Green before training camp
That’s not all. Sainristil was smart enough to seek counsel from none other than Washington franchise legend Darrell Green.
After exchanging pleasantries on social media, the pair linked up for a special coaching session. Green was filmed putting Sainristil through his paces and offering some helpful hints that should stand the former Michigan standout in tremendous stead throughout his NFL career.
Green is getting his number officially retired next season, which is long overdue. After most team legends turned their backs on the franchise as Dan Snyder ran it into the ground, they’re responding positively to the olive branches issued by Josh Harris’ ownership group. Everyone recognizes something special could be in the offing and wants to do whatever they can to help.
If Sainristil had any sense, this won’t be the last time he works with the greatest cornerback in franchise history.
There wasn’t much Green didn’t accomplish. He’s widely recognized as one of the most explosive defensive backs ever. He’s a two-time Super Bowl champion, an All-Pro, and a seven-time Pro Bowler. That carries a ton of weight, even with someone born two years before his retirement in 2002.
There will be other examples of this as the Commanders embrace their history and move forward as a collective unit. Head coach Dan Quinn wants Doug Williams to be an influential factor in rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels’ development. The coaching staff will take the lead, but any positive insight the Heisman Trophy winner can collect from the first black signal-caller to win a Super Bowl is only going to help.
Sainristil wants to be great, that much is obvious. The Commanders will throw him into the deep end right out of the gate in 2023 – possibly as the team’s starting slot cornerback. It might not be perfect all the time, but the player will never be found wanting for effort.
Reaching out to such a legendary figure was a smart move. Green cares deeply about the organization, so he was only too happy to oblige when Sainristil wanted to arrange a workout. This is a refreshing change of pace and something every fan hopes can continue long into the future.
If the Commanders want to make strides next season, they need Sainristil to become the instinctive, outstanding playmaker we saw with the Wolverines during their memorable run to the college football national championship. That’s a lot to ask, but it’s something the player is sure to relish.
With Green giving Sainristil a helping hand along the way, anything is possible.
