Michigan Football: Final depth chart predictions before fall camp
Michigan football opens camp on Friday and here’s a final depth chart prediction as we look ahead to the 2021 season.
We are less than a month away from the start of the Michigan football season and on Friday, things will feel even closer as the Wolverines will open fall camp.
This is obviously a critically important season for Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines, who are fresh off a 2-4 campaign. Harbaugh signed a contract extension but it included less money for him (unless he hits incentives) and a lower buyout, meaning U-M can fire him more easily.
Michigan football is in the middle of a reboot right now and while I said recently that some patience is needed, and I meant it, this team still needs to put together a winning season.
It also has the talent to do so, especially if Michigan can get back to solid quarterback play. And say what you will about Harbaugh, the QB play was solid in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019.
The Wolverines managed at least 20 touchdown passes total in each of those four seasons and if Michigan can get into that 20-touchdown range again this season, a winning campaign will follow.
As far as who the starting quarterback will be? Well, that’s where we kick off our depth chart predictions.
QB1: Cade McNamara; Backups: J.J. McCarthy, Alan Bowman
At this point, it looks pretty clear that Cade McNamara will be the starter, at least for the opener against Western Michigan.
J.J. McCarthy has been gaining ground. He’s been reportedly studying his playbook hard and he’s got that “It” factor. He will play and probably start sometime this season unless McNamara really stands out.
Bowman shouldn’t be counted out and his experience is valuable. He’s also an accurate passer and could succeed in the West-Coast type of spread Harbaugh surely still wants to run, which focuses a lot on short passes.
It will be fascinating to follow this battle during camp but Michigan has a few solid options at quarterback and hopefully, a future star in McCarthy.