CFP Could Factor In NFL Plans For Michigan Football Quarterback

What comes next for Michigan football quarterback JJ McCarthy? Well, right now, that’s not a question that even he knows the answer to. That said, with a College Football Playoff bout against Alabama just weeks away, McCarthy noted on Monday that the outcome of the CFP this fall could sway his NFL Draft prospects following the season.

What’s next for Michigan football quarterback JJ McCarthy?

JJ McCarthy made it very clear that he does not know what he will be doing in regard to the NFL after his junior season in Ann Arbor is over. Right now, the junior Michigan football quarterback is potentially a top-10 pick, though a Rose Bowl game against Alabama appears to be far more important than anything that comes after it in McCarthy’s mind.

Insight on NFL Draft

While JJ McCarthy is avoiding conversations about the NFL Draft and what his future with Michigan football may look like, even delaying talking with coaches about what comes next, he was asked about the CFP and its potential impact on his NFL plans on Monday.

“I can see that (being a factor). I can see that. I feel I’m just approaching (the College Football Playoff) just like I did in week one. Every single time you put yourself out there, it’s an opportunity to showcase it to the scouts and the NFL teams,” JJ McCarthy said. “I’m just focused on the same mentality I’ve been since week.”

Facing Alabama in the College Football Playoff is no small task

While JJ McCarthy is not focusing on anything but bringing a national title back to the Michigan football program, it is probably a good thing that he is not thinking about anything but beating Alabama. While the Tide had some ups and downs earlier this season, there is no doubt that Nick Saban’s team has one of the best defenses in college football right now.

“(Alabama is) super fundamentally sound,” the Michigan football star said. “Coach Saban and Coach Steele, they do a great job of getting them in the right spots at the right time. And obviously, they’re athletic all across the board. They’re physical, they’re tough, they’re disciplined.

“It’s going to take our all to be able to get against them and perform the way we want to perform. But we got some pretty good athletes on our side, too. And it’s gonna be a fun one. I’m excited.”

Certain games providing better look at Alabama’s defense and how to beat it

While JJ McCarthy has a lot of respect for the Wolverines’ College Football Playoff semi-final opponent, he has a few specific games that he is watching to help Michigan football overcome the Crimson Tide and advance to the national title game.

“Auburn was a good (game to watch while scouting Alabama’s weak points),” JJ McCarthy said. “Kentucky was a really good one. Georgia, obviously. But just a bunch of different looks that different teams gave.

“It wasn’t just the game specifically, but messing around with different personnel, seeing how they react to those and different formation sets, and stuff like that. So I’d say those three specifically — and the Ole Miss game and Texas A&M. All of them really, but those three stand out.”

Soon, JJ McCarthy and Michigan football will board planes out to Pasadena, CA, where the Wolverines will start prepping for the Rose Bowl out west before facing Alabama in the CFP on January 1, 2024.

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