Sophomore Michigan Football Quarterback Compared To Elite QB

LOS ANGELES, Ca. — Today was the first time that the media got a chance to speak with Jim Harbaugh and other members of the Michigan program since they landed in LA for the coming Rose Bowl game against Alabama. This afternoon, at Disney, I spoke with Harbaugh about sophomore Michigan football quarterback Alex Orji, a “freak” athlete, who he sees as the next Jalen Milroe.

Michigan football quarterback could be the next Jalen Milroe

Despite a slow start to the season this fall, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe finished fifth in Heisman voting and was one of the nation’s top quarterbacks all said and done. Nationally regarded as one of the most “freakish” players in the sport, Jalen Milroe can beat teams on the ground and through the air, utilizing a combination of impressive arm talent, speed, size, and more.

As Michigan football preps to stop Jalen Milroe and Alabama on January 1 in the Rose Bowl, I spoke with Jim Harbaugh today about Alex Orji — a player that clearly reminds Harbaugh a lot of Bama’s current QB1.

“He is like a real polished Alex Orji,” Harbaugh said. “… I do (see Orji turning into Michigan’s own version of Jalen Milroe). Yes, I do.”

Just asked Jim Harbaugh about Alex Orji. He sees Orji as a scary athlete that should be a contender for the starting QB job in 2024 or 2025 depending on what JJ McCarthy does.

He sees him potentially turning into a player like Jalen Milroe 👀 pic.twitter.com/ExbC5Ifsou

— CJ Mangum (@CMBB90) December 27, 2023

Jim Harbaugh gives more praise for Alex Orji ahead of the Rose Bowl Game

That is some major praise for Alex Orji, who is yet to really get a chance as a passing quarterback; instead, Michigan football has used the sophomore in “wildcat” type rushing packages, which he has thrived in thus far.

It’s clear that he can run, and it sounds like the staff is seeing major developments in his ability as a QB as well; in fact, Jim Harbaugh sees Alex Ojri contending for the QB1 role in 2024 or 2025 depending on what JJ McCarthy does in regard to the NFL Draft.

“I mean, we’re seeing before our eyes with right now with Alex Orji,” Jim Harbaugh told me on Wednesday. “And it scares me a little bit that Jalen Milroe could be as athletic as Alex Orji; Alex is like that scariest, most athletic guy on our whole team, you know? So, okay, that is a little scary.

“… (Michigan football is) excited to turn Alex loose,” Harbaugh added. “I think he will be right in the (starting quarterback) battle next year — depending on what JJ (McCarthy) does. It’s fun to think about.”

Keep an eye on Orji and Michigan football

Alex Orji has been Michigan’s secret rushing weapon for a few seasons so far, though with JJ McCarthy potentially leaving after the 2023 season, and the Michigan football quarterback job potentially being up for grabs next fall, keep an eye on Michigan’s freak-athlete QB to make a splash for the Maize and Blue in years to come.

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