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Cade McNamara still has firm lead in Michigan’s QB race
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When spring practice concluded in Ann Arbor, both Jim Harbaugh and Josh Gattis acknowledged that Cade McNamara was the guy to beat at the quarterback position. A week into fall camp, that’s still the case for Michigan.
Harbaugh met with reporters on Friday following another Michigan practice. The competition at the game’s most important position is between McNamara, newcomer J.J. McCarthy and Texas Tech transfer Alan Bowman.
Right now, McNamara is the guy in the lead spot.
“Cade’s ahead and he’s got so many of those competitive traits and ability to make all the throws, but also the ability to get the ball in other people’s hands, make others better,” Harbaugh said, per The Detroit News. “Probably the No. 1 job of a quarterback when it comes right down to it is to be that point guard. He’s on it. He’s on every detail, he’s on every facet of the position and leadership.”
McNamara played in four games for Michigan last season, eventually taking over the starting role for Joe Milton. He threw for 425 yards and 5 touchdowns, with most of that production stemming from a comeback victory over Rutgers.
Even though McNamara is the lead guy right now, Harbaugh says McCarthy is still showing up in an impressive way as a true freshman,
“Of all the years, the quarterback play right at the beginning has been really sharp, really good,” Harbaugh said.. “Both Cade and J.J. have really started fast. There’s been no lull coming out of the gates.”
Michigan’s quarterback play has been a point of contention since Harbaugh arrived on campus. Having consistency should help the Wolverines bounce back after a 2-4 year in 2020.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB