Since the Lloyd Carr era, the Michigan quarterback room hasn’t been as strong as it’ll be this upcoming season. And the future looks to be just as bright as one of the top quarterback prospects, regardless of class, 2021 Nazareth Academy (IL) QB JJ McCarthy has committed to Michigan.
Scouting Report
McCarthy is what every school is looking for in today’s game. He’s a not exactly a dual-threat, not-exactly a pro-style quarterback. He can pick apart defenses with his arm talent and accuracy but can run an option style offense and rip off big gains through designed runs, keepers, and scrambles. He’s very similar to the Shea Patterson’s and Justin Field’s of the world. If he continues to grow into the prospect he’s shown to be, he could be an instant impact player in Ann Arbor.
Recruitment
After receiving his first offer in 8th grade, McCarthy became a known name in the recruiting world. He’s a 2018 MaxPreps Sophomore All-American and expected to be a five-star prospect throughout his high school career. And that’s why he had a pile of offers by the time his sophomore season was over.
But Michigan stood out among the others thanks to the combination of QB coach Ben McDaniels, TE coach Sherrone Moore and head coach Jim Harbaugh. Ohio State was the childhood favorite but visits to Ann Arbor and the connections between the coaches and the McCarthy’s gave the Wolverines the edge here.
Within a couple months of interest really picking up between both sides, the #19 player in the 2021 class (per 247Sports) committed to Michigan during an unofficial visit in mid May.
- Height: 6’2”
- Weight: 180lbs.
- Hometown (School): La Grange Park, IL (Nazareth Academy)
- Notable Offers: Ohio State, Wisconsin, Northwestern, LSU, Yale
- Rankings: Rivals (N/A) – 247Sports (4*, #19 overall) – ESPN (N/A)
- Composite Ranking: N/A
Highlights
As for the Rest of the Class
McCarthy is the second commit of the 2021 class (alongside OT Giovanni El-Hadi), the first quarterback and the first commit out of Illinois. Though he’s expected to be a big help on the trail for his class, the biggest target he’ll be trying to add is a good friend and fellow elite Illinois recruit 2020 WR AJ Henning.
As for names to watch in the 2021 class, keep an eye on in-staters RB Donovan Edwards, OL/DL Rocco Spindler, OT Garrett Dellinger and DT Damon Payne. Other top names/targets includes S Bryce Steele, OLB Yanni Karlaftis, DE JC Latham, DL Quinten Summerville, OL Ryan Linthicum, OT Blake Fisher, OT Nolan Rucci, and RB Jaylen Anderson.
Photo Credit: JJ McCarthy/Twitter
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