While other Big Ten passers are getting more love in the Heisman odds, there is a clear-cut leader in the conference when it comes to experience.
J.J. McCarthy is entering his second year as the starter in Ann Arbor and his third with Michigan football. He is expected to take a big step forward. The offense is likely to open up through the air according to Jim Harbaugh, and that’s in large part due to the former five-star getting more comfortable in the system and in leading a college football program.
ESPN went through the potential 2024 quarterback draftees. While it’s not guaranteed McCarthy will leave after his junior year, he has substantial upside and a few things to work on, as the worldwide leader sees it. ($)
Where he excels: After taking over as the Wolverines’ full-time starter, McCarthy shined in spurts during the 2022 season. He finished with 2,719 passing yards, 22 touchdown throws and five interceptions, and he’s a quick decision-maker who fully trusts what his eyes see before the snap. McCarthy is a near-perfect complement for Michigan’s dynamic rushing attack because he is superb off play-action passes and designed rollouts. He’s comfortable in turning his back to the defense and resetting his eyes after fakes, and he is an accurate passer with a great feel for ball placement when attacking zone coverage.
Where he needs work: McCarthy must grow in his consistency against man coverage and the speed of his mental clock after his initial read. Given that he’s an in-rhythm thrower in the shorter areas of the field, he takes too long to continue on to his next option when that first option is taken away. Scouts want to see him develop when eliminating options and progressing through to secondary possibilities.
Why I’m intrigued with his first-round potential: It was clear last season that Michigan wanted to slowly develop him and get him comfortable within the scheme, as he had only six games with 25 or more pass attempts over 13 starts. But the program could lean on McCarthy more as a passer this year, which could boost his draft projection. He has the tools, even though many scouts see him as a Day 2 pick right now.
Players tend to get better year-over-year, though some stagnate or regress. If McCarthy takes even a meager step forward, especially given the talent that surrounds him, such as his offensive line and running back duo of Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, it will make the Wolverines awfully difficult to beat in 2023.
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