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JJ McCarthy reveals increased emphasis on Michigan’s passing attack in training camp
By Paul Harvey
Published:
JJ McCarthy met with the media Monday to discuss the start of Michigan’s training camp. Along the way, McCarthy admitted the team has spent more time focusing on the passing attack to begin the session.
Already one of the top rushing attacks in the nation, McCarthy admitted the Wolverines “got to be balanced” offensively. He remains confident the team will get there but pointed out a “more heavy focused” work on the passing game to begin training camp.
“In order to get over that hump, in order to push through and wring out the most potential we have as an offense, you got to be balanced,” said McCarthy. “And whether you’re a human being, whether you’re an offense, the more balanced you are, the more successful you’re going to be. I feel like that just opens up to different levels of attack.
“And we’ve been working on it crazy. We’ve been more heavy focused on the pass game these first five practices. So it’s been great to be able to get those reps, get those opportunities.”
McCarthy did clarify that focus is simply related to get more reps in the passing game before the time for full pads rolls around.
“It’s just more reps, more reps at it. Right now we’re not in full pads. It’s mostly just like thud, wrap up, tempo,” McCarthy explained. “So we’re not really getting into the thick of the whole run game. So we’re just trying to capitalize on that opportunity for the pass game right now.”
McCarthy started the 2022 season on fire with 6 passing touchdowns in 5 games before finally throwing his first interception against Indiana. His completion percentage came back down to earth over the course of the B1G schedule, but he finished the season with 22 touchdowns and just 5 interceptions.
As a team, Michigan averaged right at 220 yards passing to go with 239 yards rushing per game last season. That speaks to an already balanced attack, but hopefully the focus on the passing game leads to more efficiency in 2023.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.