Michigan football: 5 JJ McCarthy throws that have us excited

Fans, players, coaches, and more have been waiting months for the 2023 season, which is set to kick off in just 10 days. With Michigan football preparing to face off against East Carolina at Michigan Stadium on September 2nd, here are five throws from junior quarterback JJ McCarthy — who has been compared to the likes of Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes — that have us ready for the return of the Wolverines this fall.

5. The moment Michigan football knew it had a rising star

Two years ago, during Week 1 of the 2021 season, JJ McCarthy took the field against Western Michigan for the first time as a Wolverine. There, the former five-star IMG Academy quarterback showed the nation that Michigan football had a special talent on its hands, tossing an insane cross-body dime to former wide receiver Daylen Baldwin. Since then, it has been clear that JJ was going to be special during his time in Ann Arbor.

pic.twitter.com/7vfoiM8j0T

— Dwreck Showman (@DuggsNot) September 4, 2021

4. A special connection with Roman Wilson for the 2023 season?

With Ronnie Bell currently in the NFL, one of the Wolverines’ current wide receivers must step into the WR1 role and be JJ McCarthy’s “go-to” guy. Senior wideout Roman Wilson, who has stood out so far, yet has not seen a true breakout year to this point, appears to be the perfect candidate right now. Keep an eye on the No. 9 to No. 14 connection throughout the 2023 season.

Expect JJ McCarthy and Roman Wilson to cause some problems for 15 different secondaries this year 〽️ pic.twitter.com/0ejl9fvBBG

— Colston Connoisseur (@UMvsEveryone) August 20, 2023

3. Another connection to watch — Cornelius Johnson

Another potential breakout wide receiver is veteran Cornelius Johnson, who has been catching touchdown passes for the Wolverines since as far back as 2019. Last year, Johnson had a massive game against Ohio State, and this year, he (like Wilson) could earn the WR1 role. He has the frame and talent but still needs to gain the consistency.

17 days until Michigan football returns so here’s a 17 yard touchdown from JJ McCarthy to Cornelius Johnson (@CorneliusNation) #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/Gc1dtGxaAi

— MGo🫘 (@MJoeBean) August 16, 2023

2. Donovan Edwards, the wide receiver?

There has been a lot of buzz coming out of fall camp about Donovan Edwards potentially seeing a role as a wide receiver this year, which is an interesting idea for the Michigan football offense, to say the least. With wideout depth at a premium and the running back room in great shape regardless, it could make a lot of sense for Michigan to use Edwards in a number of roles throughout the 2023 season. We’ve seen quarterback JJ McCarthy hit Edwards in the endzone before, and we could really get used to seeing it more.

12 days until Michigan football returns so here’s a 12 yard touchdown from JJ McCarthy to Donovan Edwards #GoBlueOrTheDonWillTeabagYou pic.twitter.com/f1P1S8tlGD

— MGo🫘 (@MJoeBean) August 21, 2023

1. Michigan football may have an elite tight end-quarterback duo in 2023

Last year, as a true freshman, Michigan football tight end Colston Loveland stood out in major games like Ohio State, the Big Ten title game, and more. This year, Loveland is taking on a much larger role (potentially as TE1) for the Wolverines, and according to his teammates, he catches anything that is thrown his way. Additionally, there has been a lot of national heads turning in regards to Loveland’s ability as a route runner, which is a rare skill for a college tight end to have.

This year, Colston Loveland and JJ McCarthy could be one of the best passing duos in the nation — here is a preview of what the future may hold.

Wolverines strike first! @UMichFootball with an early lead! pic.twitter.com/76twYwbAjM

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 4, 2022

Last year, JJ McCarthy threw 22 touchdowns and five interceptions despite the Wolverines’ run-heavy scheme and his lack of starting experience. This year, with the Maize and Blue gunning for a third-straight Big Ten title and College Football Playoff berth, even more is expected of the junior Michigan football quarterback. Throughout the 2023 regular season and beyond, JJ McCarthy is poised to be a deciding factor in how far this year’s Michigan Wolverines can go.

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