Michigan football sophomore talks special relationship with JJ McCarthy

Last year, fans got their first look at standout tight end Colston Loveland, who had a breakout year for the Wolverines with some injuries lingering throughout the tight end room. This week, ahead of Michigan’s Week 7 bout against Indiana, the Michigan football sophomore superstar gave some insight into his special relationship with junior quarterback JJ McCarthy.

Michigan football sophomore talks special relationship with JJ McCarthy

JJ McCarthy is the engine that makes the Michigan football offense go — he took over last year and has become a vital part of the program ever since. For the Maize and Blue, having McCarthy and Colston Loveland on the field is massive, especially when combined with other weapons like Blake Corum, Donovan Edwards, Roman Wilson, and more.

Colston Loveland may be a tight end, but he often sees a wide receiver-like role for Michigan football; in fact, oftentimes, opposing defenses are forced to double-cover him. Ever since Loveland started getting starting reps, it has been clear that he and McCarthy have a connection that propels the offense even further.

“Yeah, I mean, we just keep getting closer and closer,” Colston Loveland said on Tuesday. “He (JJ McCarthy) is a — I think I’ve said it before — but just a great guy, a great leader, a great quarterback. He’s always — he’s gonna hold me accountable, which I can’t ask for anything more than that. He likes giving his guys a chance and just boosting confidence, and he’s really good at that.”

Colston Loveland working on his blocking skills

One aspect that Colston Loveland has needed to work on a bit is his blocking skills — something that he says is a word in progress, yet is coming along well so far.

“I think it’s definitely, definitely improved,” the Michigan football sophomore said of his blocking. “It’s definitely getting better and still got a long way to go for sure. Always gonna get better at every part of my game. But I’m happy with how it’s been this year for sure and just got to keep pushing.”

This weekend, Colston Loveland and Michigan football hit the field for a noon kickoff against the Indiana Hoosiers at the Big House in Ann Arbor. Through six games of the 2023 season, Loveland has hauled in 16 passes for over 200 yards and a touchdown.

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