Michigan Football: Good news on 2021 DTs, update on J.J. McCarthy

Michigan football is making solid progress with a pair of 2021 defensive tackles, plus an update from day two of the Elite 11 with J.J. McCarthy.

Tuesday was the second day of the Elite 11 event featuring future Michigan football quarterback J.J. McCarthy. He was solid on day one and here’s a look back at what he did.

But before we dive into his performance on day two, there are a couple of key tidbits to pass along with Michigan football’s 2021 class at defensive tackle. We will start with Rayshaun Benny, who as I have said, is one of the critical targets left on the board.

He’s the top defensive tackle on the board for the Wolverines but even if he played offensive line, he’d still be a catch. He’s ranked in the top 100 by Rivals and 189th in the 247 composite. Recruits can’t take visits right now, but the coaching staff encouraged Benny and his mom to visit campus on their own and according to Maize and Brew, they will do just that.

Von Lozon reported that the site learned about the visit, which will happen this weekend. It’s similar to what Tristan Bounds did. He stopped on campus at Michigan and Notre Dame before making his decision and it’s possible this could move the timeline ahead for Benny, who seemed intent on taking visits in the fall. Michigan has been the leader in terms of recruiting him though and it appears to be making a difference.

On another note for defensive tackle in 2021, George Rooks, a four-star target, who could play defensive tackle or end at Michigan, is expected to make a choice sometime in July but could be at any time according to EJ Holland of Rivals ($). Michigan football has all of Rooks’ crystal ball predictions. Holland predicted Rooks to U-M too.

Michigan football’s QB of the future at Elite 11

It’s been good to see McCarthy stand out among the best of the best at the Elite 11 and it’s something that caught the attention of his future teammates too. Junior Colson, the top defensive commitment in the 2021 class, even plans to attend this week to watch McCarthy compete.

That just shows how close this group is and what they think of McCarthy. As far as how McCarthy performed, by all accounts, it was another solid day. It was a pro-day simulation and Holland wraps up how McCarthy did here ($). He also noted that McCarthy volunteered among all the quarterbacks to go first, which is part of what Holland called McCarthy’s “Alpha-Dog” mentality.

Michigan football desperately needs more of that, especially at the quarterback position.

Sports Illustrated also ranked the overall performance of the quarterbacks and after the first two days, McCarthy is sitting in second place. Here’s what SI said about his performance:

"“The Michigan commitment was the first competitor through the pro day among high school prospects and looked better than at least one camp counselor in the process. He set a solid tone, excelling on intermediate routes and especially on the move.”"

Carlos Del Rio is leading the way right now. He’s committed to Florida. Kyle McCord, the quarterback committed to Ohio State, is currently sitting in fourth.

We will have more updates on how McCarthy does throughout the week but so far, so good.