Michigan football: JJ McCarthy facing high expectations as a second-year starter

Heading into his second season as the starting quarterback for the Michigan football team, JJ McCarthy is facing some high expectations. That being said, is there a true preseason expectation for the rising junior Wolverine?

JJ McCarthy expected to be the best in the Big Ten… at least

The time is now for Michigan’s star QB, JJ McCarthy, and people are beginning to notice as his spotlight increases. McCarthy was recently ranked by 247 Sports as the top-rated QB in the Big Ten, ahead of Maryland’s Talia Tagovailoa, Ohio State’s highly touted Ryan McCord, and, of course, former teammate turned Iowa Hawkeye, Cade McNamara.

McCarthy is also beginning to be mentioned as a first-round pick in several “way too early” mock drafts for 2024. This is no surprise considering the immeasurable talent JJ brings to the field. Michigan has NEVER had a quarterback like JJ. He has the arm talent of a premier NFL starting quarterback. His agility is comparable to the likes of Jalen Hurts and Kyler Murray.

He has the innate ability to stand in the pocket or scramble, extending plays — which makes him a nightmare for defensive coordinators. Just ask Ohio State’s defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles. In addition to his physical attributes, McCarthy has a fascinating mentality. His famous meditation practices can be correlated to his on-field success.

The demeanor he carries embodies staying in the present, remaining positive, and being poised at all times. These qualities are essential for being an elite Michigan football quarterback, which McCarthy undoubtedly possesses.

Fan expectations different than national expectations?

With all of this being said, what should fans expect from McCarthy in 2023? They ought to expect one of the best seasons any Michigan quarterback has had in the program’s history! Certainly, the most electric since Coach Harbaugh’s takeover in 2015. There are several factors that will be prevalent in making this a reality.

The first is experience. McCarthy is heading into his junior season, having already been in the biggest games, under the brightest lights, and delivering in the biggest moments. Experience will play a pivotal role in McCarthy’s success this season as he looks to expand upon his already successful tenure.

The pieces are all there for Michigan football

The offensive line will be a massive contributor to his success as well, considering no offensive line has been as dominant in the past two seasons. Not only that, but the unit is reloading. Key starters Trevor Keegan and Zak Zinter are returning, and highly-touted transfers Drake Nugent and LaDarius Henderson are arriving. This means JJ will be untouched and will have adequate time in the pocket, a major luxury.

Additionally, Michigan will have a favorable schedule, with all non-conference opponents being unranked and unchallenging. In fact, the Wolverines won’t face a worthy opponent until November (Penn State and Ohio State). The final factor in McCarthy’s success is his playmakers.

Stars such as Blake Corum, Donovan Edwards, and Colston Loveland will all be instrumental in McCarthy’s success. Blake Corum (RB) previously had one of the most polished seasons of any Michigan running back in history, and he looks to improve upon that greatness in 2023. Donovan Edwards (RB) has the same knack as NFL stars Deebo Samuel and Saquon Barkley when it comes to catching passes in the backfield.

Colston Loveland (TE) has already displayed his worthiness of being an NFL prospect solely from the second half of his freshman campaign. Ultimately, each of these factors makes McCarthy a matchup nightmare and could ultimately land him in New York, becoming Michigan’s 4th Heisman Trophy winner.

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