Ad Disclosure
JJ McCarthy to the NFL? ESPN’s Pete Thamel shares expectation for star QB
By Paul Harvey
Published:
JJ McCarthy could be preparing for his last game in a Michigan uniform.
The starting quarterback has delivered a big-time legacy throughout his ascension as a two-year starter for the Wolverines. While he could always return for his senior season next year, ESPN’s Pete Thamel believes McCarthy will opt to head to the NFL.
According to Thamel, the potential status of head coach Jim Harbaugh is just one piece of the puzzle. He pointed to a Michigan roster that will lose its entire offensive line, its top receivers and star running back Blake Corum.
“All of a sudden, we could have a lot of change at Michigan. I expect JJ McCarthy to go to the NFL Draft,” Thamel predicted. “I’m not reporting that he is, but if you look at 26-1 as a starter, injury-free his whole time, your whole o-line is guy, your 2 best receivers are gone, your star tailback is gone. Michigan, again, is going to look a lot different next season.”
Overall, the Wolverines will still be good either way, but Thamel believes it would be risky for McCarthy to risk his current NFL Draft stock in a season of uncertainty:
“They will still be very good, especially with a young core of defensive tackles, Will Johnson, (Colston) Loveland. But, do you want to take your draft stock — it’s hard to imagine JJ getting hotter than he is right now,” said Thamel. “Win or lose on Monday night. God willing he’s going to stay healthy, and do you come back and risk a full season with a new o-line and so much change?”
Here is the latest episode of ESPN’s College GameDay Podcast with the McCarthy discussion beginning around the 37:15 mark:
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.