How Cade McNamara is taking a ‘more commanding role’

The Michigan football team is in the middle of their spring practices as we sit here in the middle of March. One thing that is already known is Michigan will have a new starting quarterback to start the 2021 season.

Offensive tackle Andrew Stueber pointed to redshirt sophomore QB Cade McNamara as a player who has taken a leap as a leader and player.

“The quarterbacks competition and level of play has been really interesting to see. Cade’s finally starting to take a more commanding role — it’s different. Last year he played for just a little bit, but it’s obviously different when you think you have the starting job, when you have command of the offense,” Stueber said on Thursday.

McNamara appeared in 4 games last season, going 43-of-71 for 425 yards and 5 TDs.

“I love how his poise is in the pocket, decisions he’s making. His confidence is growing, it’s great to see,” Stueber said.

Stueber noted that no starting quarterback has been named and the competition is ongoing. When it came to true freshman five-star QB J.J. McCarthy Stueber said that he “showed some really impressive stuff scrambling out of the pocket, making some moves, making some people miss.” Stueber was sure not to leave redshirt freshman Dan Villari out, calling his read-option running “really impressive” so far.

Stueber mentioned that at the end each practice Michigan has a ‘move the ball drill’ and each quarterback takes one drive. “They each take tremendous pride in it (the drill) and it can effect their mood for the rest of the day into the off day. They’re fighting it out in there and it’s something that’s great to see — all the young quarterbacks kind of battling it out to get on top,” Stueber said.

Michigan’s current depth at quarterback consists of McNamara, McCarthy, Villari, and newly added Texas Tech grad transfer Alan Bowman. Don’t expect to hear a starting quarterback announced before their season opener. What seems to be apparent is McNamara has a clearer path towards the starting job than he ever has at Michigan, and now he has to earn it. To be continued...