Could Alex Orji and Jadyn Davis both see playing time for Michigan football in 2024?
As we get into the offseason of college football, Michigan football finds itself in a position for the first time since 2022. There is not one guy who is definitively going to be the starting quarterback. There is no shortage of options on the roster as Alex Orji, Davis Warren, Jayden Denegal, Jadyn Davis and potentially Jack Tuttle (seeking 7th year of eligibility from NCAA) will all be suiting up for the Wolverines next year. Now, there is still the possibility of a transfer coming in. However, I am more than comfortable heading into next season with these quarterbacks. How will the quarterback battle play out? Let's take a look at one possible scenario that is similar to one that we have seen before.
Alex Orji burst onto the season last year as a dynamic runner from the quarterback position. He totaled 86 yards on 15 carries and a touchdown. His long run of 20 yards came in the third quarter vs Ohio State which helped set up a field goal attempt for Michigan football. In the preseason, Jim Harbaugh said that Orji has the potential to be the best kick returner in the nation. Clearly, the staff is confident in the potential that Orji has with the ball in his hands. We haven't seen much of what Orji can do through the air yet but reports from practice are that he is more than capable of being an effective passer.
Jadyn Davis is the crown jewel of the incoming freshman class for the Wolverines. A five-star at the time of his commitment, a two-time state champion in North Carolina, and a two-time North Carolina High School Player of the Year. In his last two seasons of high school football, Davis completed 71.7% of his throws for 6,795 yards (261 yards per game average), 86 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. Needless to say, Davis is an elite thrower of the ball and an all-around winner. His commitment to Michigan football has never wavered and he seems destined to be another Wolverine great at the quarterback position.
The combination of these two set up a dynamic for the Wolverines that could be something we haven't seen since Cade McNamara and J.J. McCarthy in 2021.
The scary part is this combination could be even better. When Cade and J.J. were splitting time, Cade was getting a majority of the passing plays under center and J.J. was getting a majority of the quarterback runs when under center. While J.J. was great running the ball his freshman year, Orji has the potential to be the best running quarterback in the nation this upcoming year. Pair his running ability with a deep backfield led by Donovan Edwards and the run game can be one of the nation's best.
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Cade McNamara was a solid passer during the 2021 season but he was conservative and lacked explosive plays. Jadyn Davis can come in and immediately make a difference in the passing game. He has elite arm strength and is supremely confident in the pocket. It will be up to the coaching staff on how they are going to game plan with all the quarterbacks but these two are a strong foundation to build around. No matter who Michigan football decides to go with at quarterback, I hope they remain in-house and do not go into the transfer portal. The Michigan men in the current quarterback room have what it takes to lead this team to a fourth straight Big Ten Championship.