Harbaugh praises JJ McCarthy, says he's at "elite level"

Michigan QB JJ McCarthy is the starting quarterback for Michigan in 2023. Last season, McCarthy dealt with a nagging shoulder injury that left him unable to compete in a quarterback competition he was part of for the majority of the offseason. By the start of fall camp last season, McCarthy was throwing and pushing returning starter Cade McNamara. By week 2 against Hawaii in his first career start, it was clear to everyone that McCarthy was the starting quarterback.

What followed was a successful regular season, undefeated Big Ten Champs with another College Football Playoff berth. During Big Ten Media Days Thursday, Harbaugh said McCarthy's first season as a starter was so good, he can't think of any better.

"I have searched my memory for somebody who has been a fist time starter and had a better first year as a starter," Harbaugh said. "And I can't come up with one."

Michigan has had some excellent quarterbacks in its history, including Harbaugh himself. That level of elite quarterback play, a QB given early season Heisman consideration, they don't come along that often, but Harbaugh says McCarthy is one of them.

"He is a once in a generational type of quarterback at Michigan."

Again, McCarthy's strong first season came on the heels of an offseason where he wasn't able to throw until fall camp. Something that surely impacted his development and rhythm. This year, McCarthy has been healthy and working with his teammates and Harbaugh says he can see it paying off.

"His progress continues to grow daily, he's at the top of his game right now. Everything he does athletically, throwing the football, are at the elite level."

And if you think Harbaugh's praise of McCarthy couldn't get any higher, Harbaugh said McCarthy's greatest asset as a quarterback is what he is willing to do for his teammates, his leadership. When it comes to the talent and leadership combination, Harbaugh had some lofty praise.

"He's just willing to do anything for his teammates Anything for his team. I think there are some comparisons to Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, would be two, and I know there are others that have that level of talent plus willing to do anything for their team."

McCarthy was named to the Big Ten Preseason Watch List during B1G Media Days. Many experts have him rated as the top quarterback heading into the 2023 season. Michigan begins fall camp on August 1, and practices on August 2.

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