Decision time is approaching for numerous members of the Michigan football roster, with over half a dozen indicating their readiness to move on. Seven players from the Wolverines’ national championship team have accepted invitations to participate in this year’s Senior Bowl on Feb. 3 in Mobile, Ala., as revealed on Tuesday via NFL Network. It’s important to note that accepting a Senior Bowl invite is not binding, and players have until Monday, Jan. 15, to officially declare for the 2024 NFL Draft. This leaves the possibility for some players to reconsider and potentially return.
The Michigan players who have accepted Senior Bowl invites include tight end AJ Barner, linebacker Michael Barrett, offensive lineman LaDarius Henderson, offensive lineman Trevor Keegan, edge player Braiden McGregor, defensive back Mike Sainristil, and wide receiver Roman Wilson.
One surprising inclusion is edge rusher Braiden McGregor, who, despite being a senior with another year of eligibility, is still contemplating his options. McGregor, in an interview with MLive before the College Football Playoff final, mentioned that decisions about Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) funds would influence his choice. Despite this uncertainty, McGregor had a productive season with 4 1/2 sacks and nine tackles for loss, including two sacks against Alabama in the Rose Bowl.
Roman Wilson, the leading receiver for Michigan in 2023, has also made a notable decision. The second-team all-Big Ten wideout had an impressive season with 48 receptions for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns, including a standout performance against the Crimson Tide.
Tight end AJ Barner, despite having another year of eligibility, seems poised to explore the NFL market. A transfer from Indiana, Barner seamlessly integrated into the Wolverines’ offense, making 22 receptions for 249 yards and a touchdown.
Guard Trevor Keegan, a three-time all-Big Ten player, technically had another year of eligibility but was widely expected to leave after considering the NFL last offseason.
In contrast, linebacker Michael Barrett, offensive lineman LaDarius Henderson, and defensive back Mike Sainristil have exhausted their college eligibility. Barrett, a third-team all-Big Ten linebacker, completed six seasons at Michigan, while Sainristil, initially a receiver, emerged as a key player in Michigan’s solid secondary. Coach Jim Harbaugh has expressed optimism about Sainristil’s professional prospects, and a strong showing in the Senior Bowl could further impress scouts and solidify his path to the NFL.
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