Michigan Football: 3 2021 signees who can start immediately

J.J. McCarthy

McCarthy is supposed to be the next big thing at Michigan football and he might be the biggest reason to have optimism for the future, just because winning big in college football means having an elite quarterback.

And by all accounts, McCarthy is that guy. He’s athletic and can make all the throws. His accuracy is probably his best attribute and deep-ball accuracy is something that has been lacking in Michigan’s offense.

Of course, he will need to battle current quarterbacks Cade McNamara and Joe Milton this spring and in the fall for the job. But there’s a chance someone transfers after the spring and ultimately, the race probably comes down to McNamara and McCarthy.

I actually like McNamara and could see him opening the season as the starter, but if it’s close the Wolverines should go with McCarthy and hitch their wagon to his development.

It’s always possible that McNamara plays lights out and keeps McCarthy on the sideline, which is why you let guys compete. But one way or another, I think McCarthy is the guy under center when Ohio State comes to Ann Arbor next November.