Michigan QB JJ McCarthy could hold keys to CFP picture
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (BVM) – The old football adage of “if you have two quarterbacks that means you don’t have one” may not apply this season for the University of Michigan’s football team. The Wolverines have a conundrum under center as the coaching staff has to figure out if it will go with last year’s starter Cade McNamara, who led the team to its first College Football Playoffs appearance, or up-and-coming true sophomore JJ McCarthy. While the common perception may be to go with the guy who got you there, another old football adage, McCarthy has proven why he may be the most critical “backup” in college sports today.
McCarthy came to Michigan after a standout high school career at both Nazareth Academy in LaGrange Park, Illinois and IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. During his first three seasons at Nazareth, McCarthy helped the Roadrunners go to three straight state championships, winning the 2018 title as a sophomore. In total, McCarthy finished 28-2 with Nazareth and threw for over 6,000 yards while scoring over 70 touchdowns.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugEpXiG7-hM
As a senior, McCarthy transferred to national power IMG Academy. In his lone season with the Ascenders, the quarterback shined against some of the best competition in America. McCarthy went 92-of-165 passing, 57% completion percentage, for 1,392 yards with 16 touchdown passes and no interceptions while also having one rushing score. His play helped IMG Academy finish with a perfect 8-0 record, outscoring opponents 381-82 during the season, and as the 2020 national champions.
With his amazing success at the prep level, it comes as no surprise McCarthy was highly-touted as a recruit. He was ranked as a five-star prospect by 247Sports’ Composite Rankings, though was a four-star and the No. 25 overall prospect in the Class of 2021 by ESPN. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound signal-caller had his choice of programs but ultimately chose the Wolverines.
In his freshman year, McCarthy was No. 2 on the depth chart behind former five-star recruit McNamara. Though behind the incumbent, McCarthy’s skills as a dual-threat quarterback allowed him to be used in some packages that allowed him to either use his legs or his strong arm. In total, McCarthy played in 11 of the team’s 14 games, going 34-for-59, 58% completion percentage, for 516 passing yards with five touchdown passes and two interceptions while also recording 27 carries for 124 rushing yards and two scores.
While McCarthy didn’t receive much playing time in games, the few snaps he did see provided sparks of excitement for the Wolverines fan base. Much of McCarthy’s play came during times when the game was out of reach, either for Michigan or for their opponents, but that didn’t mean McCarthy’s play was not against poor opponents. In fact, McCarthy saw some time against Ohio State, Iowa in the Big Ten Championship and Georgia, one of the best defenses of recent years, in the College Football Playoffs semifinals.
With some experience against top programs, McCarthy proved he was able to play in college and perhaps even excel. While McNamara wasn’t a poor signal caller in his own right, going 258-for-398 (65%) for 2,576 yards with 15 touchdowns and six interceptions, he only finished ranked No. 61 in the country in passing yards and the Wolverines finished ranked No. 68 in passing offense.
Though these were solid numbers, McNamara was seen more as a game manager than a star in his own right, helping keep the defense honest against the No. 15 ranked rushing attack in the country while letting the defense excel on the other end. McNamara also isn’t as dynamic of a rusher as McCarthy, rushing 37 times for just 26 yards and one score.
This has led to some people thinking McCarthy could be a better solution, opening up the Michigan passing attack a bit more while also helping the rushing offense remain a strength despite losing lead rusher Hassan Haskins to the NFL Draft.
This idea hasn’t fallen on deaf ears among the Wolverines’ coaching staff either. During a press conference on Aug. 17, head coach Jim Harbaugh admitted that the ongoing quarterback controversy could go into the season.
“One of them is going to separate and be the starter and we will roll that way with a starter and a backup,” Harbaugh said. “We’d have to see them play games to make that decision…This is a very good, unique situation. We have two quarterbacks that are playing at a high starter level and we’re going to keep competing and it’s possible there’s a starter by the first game and it’s possible it plays into the season and we pick one that helps our team win, the best person to play quarterback to win the game.”
While Harbaugh has been mum on who is leading in the clubhouse, it is clear that McCarthy is making his presence felt by the coaching staff and McNamara. Though fans may not see McCarthy as the team’s starter heading into the season, things could always change which is what makes him such a compelling story. McCarthy could still be the key for Michigan whether or not they return to the playoffs either through his play on the field or clamoring from fans for more playing time while he’s off of it.
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