Michigan Head Coach Jim Harbaugh is heaping praise on his star quarterback, J.J. McCarthy.
Following the two best Wolverine seasons under Harbaugh’s tenure, expectations are soaring sky-high for the two-time defending Big Ten champions – and Heisman contender McCarthy is at the center of it all.
Speaking at Big Ten Media Day, Harbaugh couldn’t contain his admiration for McCarthy’s incredible first year as a starter, expressing that he has not seen a better debut from a first-time starter before.
“He’s a once-in-a-generational type of quarterback at Michigan. His progress continues to grow. Daily he’s at the top of his game right now really in all aspects,” Harbaugh said.
Harbaugh highlighted McCarthy’s elite athletic abilities and exceptional passing skills, but what truly sets him apart is his unyielding commitment to his teammates and the team.
“That differentiates good and great is he’s willing to do anything for his teammates and anything for his team,” Harbaugh added.
Drawing comparisons to NFL stars, Harbaugh likened McCarthy’s talent and team-first mentality to the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.
“I think there’s some comparison to Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen…and I know there are others that have that level of talent-plus at the quarterback position to do anything for their team,” Harbaugh said, emphasizing the leadership qualities and camaraderie McCarthy exhibits on and off the field.
McCarthy’s journey to becoming the starting quarterback was not without challenges. Last season, he faced stiff competition from Cade McNamara in fall camp before finally solidifying his place as the starting quarterback after Week 2.
McNamara eventually transferred to Iowa, where he will lead the Hawkeyes this season.
In his first year as the Wolverines’ starting QB, McCarthy made an impressive impact, throwing for 2,719 yards and 22 touchdowns, with just five interceptions.
However, the Fiesta Bowl loss to TCU in the College Football Playoff semifinals exposed some areas for improvement, as he threw two crucial interceptions that proved costly for Michigan.
Despite that setback, the expectations for the Wolverines remain sky-high for the 2023 season. The team retains a significant portion of its starting lineup, boasting an impressive array of talent.
Fellow Heisman contender Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards form a terrific running back duo, while Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson will provide McCarthy with reliable targets in the passing game.
Michigan’s roster continuity from the previous season, in which they finished with an outstanding 12-1 record, beat Ohio State, and nearly reached the national championship game fuels optimism among fans and experts alike.
The Wolverines will open the 2023 season on September 2 against East Carolina, where McCarthy will have the opportunity to showcase the skills that have earned him comparisons to supreme NFL stars such as Mahomes and Allen.
Do you agree with Harbaugh’s opinion that McCarthy is indeed THAT special?
Will he be a Heisman finalist?
More importantly, will he lead Michigan to the national championship this season?