Jim Harbaugh loves having JJ McCarthy as the quarterback at Michigan. That goes without saying, but Harbaugh is not backing off some incredibly high praise for the third-year QB and former 5-star prospect.

After previously comparing McCarthy to NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, Harbaugh described the QB as a once-in-a-generation type of talent. In a sit-down interview with NBC’s Kathryn Tappen, Harbaugh explained why he feels that way about McCarthy, including a moment to highlight the QB as one of the top overall athletes on Michigan’s roster.

“He’s one of the top 10 athletes on our team, which is saying a lot. The accuracy with which he throws, the arm strength,” said Harbaugh. “The mental side of it, the way he studies and prepares for games, the way he treats everything in terms of visualization and recovery. And then his willingness to do anything for anyone on the team, that’s the special quality that the great QBs have, and that’s what makes him once in a generation type of QB at Michigan.”

It’s also hard to argue with McCarthy’s early on-field performance. In his first season as a starter, McCarthy accounted for over 3,000 yards of total offense with 27 total touchdowns and 5 interceptions.

With a number of returners on the offensive side of the ball and a run game that draws a lot of focus, McCarthy’s arm — and legs — could be a difference-maker at times this fall. He has already pointed out that the Wolverines are trying to work on the passing attack in training camp, and that could translate to a more efficient passing game when the season starts.