Michigan football: JJ McCarthy “looking to surpass” top NFL quarterbacks

For the first time since the 2018-2019 seasons, Michigan football will have a returning starter at quarterback. Former five-star QB JJ McCarthy, who led his Wolverines to a Big Ten title and more last year, has raised expectations for the team as a whole in 2023 and appears ready for a new challenge. During Big Ten Media Day, Jim Harbaugh compared his starting quarterback to top NFL quarterbacks, such as Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, giving high praise to the rising junior Wolverine — something that McCarthy recent chimed in on.

Michigan football QB JJ McCarthy responds to Jim Harbaugh

During Big Ten Media Day, Michigan football head coach compared second-year starting quarterback JJ McCarthy to a few of the top NFL quarterbacks currently in the game.

“I think some compare him to Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, would be two,” Jim Harbaugh said of JJ McCarthy. “And I know there are others that have that level of talent plus the quarterback position willing to do anything for their team.”

In response, JJ McCarthy acknowledged how significant this praise is, but he also expressed strong confidence in his own abilities.

“It means so much coming from him (Jim Harbaugh),” McCarthy said, according to Brad Galli. “I just value his opinion so much. It just reaffirms to be that what I am doing is the right thing. Just continuing to do that. But at the end of the day, I just got to continue focusing on myself, keep improving myself. I emulate those boys, I observe them all the time but I am trying to surpass them.”

Following the upcoming season, Michigan football QB JJ McCarthy will be eligible for the 2024 NFL Draft. If he decides to declare, he will finally have his shot at establishing his legacy in the NFL. Alternatively, if he chooses not to enter the draft, he could have another impressive season on the gridiron as a senior for Michigan football.

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