One of the biggest storylines this offseason for Michigan football will be the NFL draft decision of quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Despite some of the criticism being levied at McCarthy for his performance down the stretch, even though it was clear that he was hurt, J.J. is going to be a first-round pick if he enters the 2024 NFL draft.
Not only is McCarthy a dynamic athlete who looks to have 4.5 or 4.4 speed as a runner, but he throws the ball as well as anyone in college football. Not only is McCarthy incredibly accurate, but he's got unbelieve arm strength too -- just look at the touchdown pass against Ohio State.
That's the kind of throw that Aaron Rodgers could make. However, one of the great things about McCarthy is that he's able to "keep the main thing, the main thing" as he always says. McCarthy is elite in that regard and that's one reason he's quarterbacked Michigan football to a 25-1 record as a starter as well as two Big Ten titles.
McCarthy is thinking about Alabama, not the NFL draft
Jim Harbaugh said that he asked McCarthy if he wanted to discuss a potential NFL draft decision. The two are extremely close so it would make a lot of sense. However, McCarthy told Harbaugh he hasn't even thought of the NFL draft and that's only thought about Alabama.
JJ McCarthy says that Jim Harbaugh recently asked him if he wanted to discuss a potential decision on entering the NFL Draft. McCarthy said he told Harbaugh that he's not thinking about anything other than Alabama right now.〽️
— The Winged Helmet (@TWH_Chris) December 18, 2023
📸#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/UpwiWLCxdY
Knowing McCarthy, I'm not surprised at all. The Wolverines have talked openly about winning the national championship. J.J. reiterated that on Monday, saying that the season wouldn't be a success unless Michigan football ended up as national champions.
Both JJ McCarthy and Junior Colson say no decision has been made about their respective futures past this season. Focused on Alabama.
— Anthony Broome (@anthonytbroome) December 18, 2023
I hope McCarthy sticks around for next season, but there's no quarterback I'd rather have leading my team heading into the College Football Playoff on Jan. 1.