Alex Orji reveals key to winning Michigan football QB job

For the third time in four years, Michigan football will have a quarterback competition in fall camp. Cade McNamara won the job in 2021, while J.J. McCarthy won it in 2022.

It took J.J. until his Week 2 performance against Hawaii to be named the full-time starter. It became clear at that point and the hope is that the 2024 Michigan football quarterback battle becomes clear too.

However, it’s pretty muddled right now. Jack Tuttle is now healthy and he’ll be competing with Alex Orji, Davis Warren, Jayden Denegal, and freshman Jadyn Davis for the starting job.

Coming out of spring ball, I’ve been touting Orji as the best option. I’m not discounting Davis Warren at all. He and Tuttle have the most arm talent and Warren shined during the spring game.

Yet, Orji brings a running element to the offense — one that could help unlock a running game that wasn’t as elite last season and some remember.

Blake Corum needed time to get healthy. Donovan Edwards also started the season in a bit of a funk. By November, things were rolling but this wasn’t the run game of 2021 or even 2022.

Having a true running threat at quarterback should open things up for others. But Orji is only going to be Michigan’s starter if he can succeed in throwing the ball.

The key to Alex Orji starting for Michigan football at quarterback

Alex Orji knows that accuracy is going to determine his standing in the QB1 race:

'Accuracy is what's going to get you a job. All the extracurriculars…that's going to keep you a job.'

On advice from Jim Harbaugh and an offseason of improvement: https://t.co/oM91Pozc71 pic.twitter.com/kJXPsVLzSi

— Anthony Broome (@anthonytbroome) May 31, 2024

The former four-star quarterback talked about the competition on Thursday, as he was coaching in Will Johnson’s camp for youth players, and said “accuracy” is what will win him the job.

“[Jim] Harbaugh once told us as a quarterback, accuracy is what’s going to get you paid,” Orji said to Anthony Broome of The Wolverine. “Accuracy is what’s going to get you a job. All the extracurriculars, all the other stuff, it’s going to keep you that job. But at the end of the day, You’re not going to get anywhere without accuracy.”

There’s no doubt that Orji has a strong arm. But he has to prove his accuracy and his ability to manage the game. But, if he can do those two things — throw the ball accurately and manage the game — along with what he can do running the ball, Orji could be the perfect starter for Michigan football. At least in 2024.

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