For a number of Michigan football players, decision time is approaching, and over six of them seem prepared to go.
It was revealed on NFL Network on Tuesday that seven members of the Wolverines’ national championship squad have accepted invitations to participate in this year’s Senior Bowl, which will take place in Mobile, Alabama on February 3.
A Senior Bowl invitation is not obligated to be accepted. A couple of these players may decide to return because they have until Monday, January 15, to formally declare for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Braiden McGregor, an edge rusher, is maybe the group’s biggest surprise. Prior to Monday’s College Football Playoff championship game, McGregor, a senior with one more year of eligibility remaining, informed MLive that he was still considering his choices and that Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) monies will be taken into consideration. Despite this, the native of Port Huron, Michigan, had a successful season, recording 9 tackles for loss and 4 1/2 sacks, including two sacks versus Alabama in the Rose Bowl.
The top receiver for Michigan in 2023, Roman Wilson, made another noteworthy choice. Against the top-ranked Crimson Tide defence, the second-team all-Big Ten wide receiver grabbed 48 catches for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns, including a four-catch, 73-yard performance.
AJ Barner, a tight end with one more year of eligibility, seems prepared to try the NFL market as well. Barner, a transfer from Indiana, was a talented tight end who immediately fitted in with the Wolverines’ offence, hauling in 22 catches for 249 yards and a touchdown.
Though he technically had one more year of eligibility, three-time All-Big Ten guard Trevor Keegan was almost certain to leave after considering the NFL in the winter.
In the meantime, Mike Sainristil, a defensive back, LaDarius Henderson, an offensive lineman, and linebacker Michael Barrett were not eligible to play in college. Barrett, a former receiver, spent six seasons as a linebacker for Michigan and was named to the Big Ten third team, while Sainristil developed into the cornerstone of the Wolverines’ shut-down secondary. Sainristil’s pro chances have been highly praised by head coach Jim Harbaugh, and a great performance in Mobile could convince scouts to consider him.
