J.J. McCarthy, Michigan Football News: Draft Scout Player News

09/11/22 - QB J.J. McCarthy, Jr/2024, Michigan

J.J. McCarthy did enough to win the job. McCarthy was sharp in his first start, throwing for three touchdowns to help No. 4 Michigan overwhelm Hawaii 56-10 on Saturday night. Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh said McCarthy will be the team's first-string quarterback next week against Connecticut. "He's earned it," Harbaugh said. McCarthy had his turn to take the first snap after Big Ten championship-winning quarterback Cade McNamara had a lackluster performance in the season-opening win over Colorado State as the starter. The sophomore made the most of his opportunity against the Rainbow Warriors, throwing a 42-yard touchdown pass to Roman Wilson on his second snap and 13-yard pass to Ronnie Bell early in the second quarter to give the Wolverines (2-0) a four-touchdown lead. "It was a near-flawless performance," Harbaugh said. "He was 11 for 12, and one was dropped." McNamara entered the game with 6:22 left in the first half and took a sack to end his first possession.

McCarthy went back in and threw for his third score, dropping back and stepping up in the pocket before connecting with Cornelius Johnson for a 17-yard touchdown late in the first half to give Michigan a 42-0 lead. "I can't remember having one like that myself," said Harbaugh, a former Michigan and NFL quarterback. McCarthy, a former five-star recruit, finished 11 of 12 for 229 yards without a turnover. "He controlled the game," said Blake Corum, who ran for 88 yards and a touchdown on nine carries. "He was confident. I expected nothing less." McNamara started the second half and the senior finished 4 of 6 for 26 yards with an interception. "He's got gravel in his guts," Harbaugh said. "He'll be ready for his next opportunity." - Michigan/AP College Football

Jr/2024