Hokies Not Having Commitment Issues, gain pledge of Mike Sainristil

So, err, I’m writing a lot more lately, mostly because the Hokies are on what I would like to call a roll. Tonight the Hokies added a 3 star cornerback from Everett, Massachusetts, Mike Sainristil. It’s somewhat of a surprise, as Massachusetts isn’t exactly Hokie territory, but after an October 6^th offer, Mike decided to close down his recruitment completely and commit.

Sainristil looks like a ‘the sites haven’t really much evaluated this guy’, since he’s rated out as a low three star wide receiver by Rivals, an unranked cornerback by 247, and not even listed by ESPN. But his scholarship list isn’t unimpressive at all: Michigan, Boston College, Ole Miss, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and others have already offered. I wonder if it’s a ‘he’s from a lightly recruited state and isn’t a big guy’ thing. But either way, the Hokies must have left some kind of impression if he committed this early.

Let’s take a look at the tape and see what this New England athlete can offer. (Warning: Language in music on video)

Mike Sainristil (Everett, MS. 5’-10”, 175lbs. Cornerback/Wide Receiver/Athlete)

Sainristil isn’t a burner, but the dude has Sean Savoy-like quickness and more than enough speed even if it isn’t elite. I love his field vision on offense or on defense, and I can see why Galen Scott is assigned to him. His vision and ability to backpedal make him almost more a natural safety than any sort of corner or receiver- even if I think he could be quite useful at those positions. I still think he’s a bit of a body catcher in a lot of ways, but he’s more than capable and willing to run down plays from behind rather than giving up on them. I like his savvy in how he separates and finds holes when on offense, and he’s more than willing to go up for a ball, even if his technique needs polish. Overall, I think he’s probably currently underrated (in fact, I know so, because two sites don’t rank him and one doesn’t list him) and he could grow into a versatile player something like Greg Stroman that could do a bunch of things across the field.

Welcome to the Hokies, Mike!