Five-star 2021 QB commit J.J. McCarthy shows out in debut game with IMG Academy

Five-star quarterback J.J. McCarthy is the face of the 2021 recruiting class for the Michigan Wolverines, as it has been a long time since the program brought in a passer of his caliber. In the first football game of senior season — and debut at IMG Academy — he once again showed why he is regarded as one of the nation’s elite.

McCarthy led IMG to a 49-13 win over Venice on a nationally-televised contest on ESPNU and finished the evening 23-of-37 for 333 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions in the victory. The performance earned him GEICO Player of the Game honors.

McCarthy, who committed to Michigan in May 2019, is the nation’s No. 16 overall player and second-ranked pro-style passer, per the 247Sports Composite rankings.

“Lean frame right now. Right around the average for height at the position, but needs to fill in more in the coming years. Fantastic arm talent,” his 247Sports scouting profile reads. “Can make every throw on the field, is consistent with accuracy and placement and has clean mechanics. Smart, competitive kid who has excelled in big games and big situations. Is not a big big running threat, but shows very good pocket presence, ability to escape the rush and make throws on the move. Passing skills and approach to the game scream multi-year college starter at a high-level, the main concern would be pure strength and adding bulk to his frame.”

McCarthy, an Illinois native, transferred to IMG this offseason and plays with offensive line commit Greg Crippin on the same team. Given McCarthy’s background and the powerhouse program he plays for this fall, this might just be the start of some massive box scores for the talented signal-caller.