Everyone in Massachusetts knew the 2017 Everett football team was special.
Friday night was another reminder of just how good that Crimson Tide team was.
Mike Sainristil became the third member of that vaunted Everett team to hear his name called out in the NFL Draft. The defensive back, who helped lead Michigan to the National Championship, was selected by the Washington Commanders in the second round (50th overall). The 5-foot-10, 182-pounder started all 15 games for the Wolverines and finished with 44 tackles and six interceptions (two which he returned for scores).
“It was a dream come true growing up, wishing and praying to be in this opportunity,” Sainristil said. “I thought I was going to the Steelers at 51, then I saw my phone vibrating and it was a Virginia number – I said who the heck from Virginia is calling me. But when I talked to (the Commanders), my heart was at peace.
“I’m ready to be coached up by a great group of guys and ultimately have success with them.”
Sainristil joins former Everett teammates Lewis Cine (drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft) and Isaiah Likely (fourth round selection by the Baltimore Ravens in 2022).
Sainristil may have been the 50th player selected but there was no shortage of bouquets tossed in his direction by a variety of NFL and College Football analysts.
Former Alabama football coach Nick Saban: “This guy may the best football player pound-for-pound in the draft.”
ESPN’s Booger McFarland: “Sometimes, it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog and and this young man has a ton of fight in him. I think he’s the best nickel back in this draft.”
Former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III: “Mike Sainristil was one of my favorite players to cover and watch on tape. Great young man of character and a multidimensional athlete who played WR, DB and punt returner. Michigan doesn’t win a National Championship without his ability or leadership.”
