J.J. McCarthy Says The Offense Has Been 'Heavy Focus On The Pass Game' During Fall Practice
Michigan has run five practices during fall camp since it started back on August 5 and it sounds like the Wolverines are focusing on throwing the football.
Jim Harbaugh has said over and over again that he believes Michigan will be more of a 50-50 pass/run football team this season. But it was hard to believe after the Wolverines have had so much success running the football with Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards.
However, J.J. McCarthy reiterated on Monday during media availability that Michigan does want to be more of a balanced attack on offense. He says the Wolverines have been working on throwing the football like crazy during the first five practices of fall 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 during media availability. "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. We got to be balanced. So no matter what it is, or how it gets there, we're gonna get there."
Since the players aren't in full pads, and the team isn't going full-force on tackling yet, Michigan has been throwing the football for more reps during practice. McCarthy explained that to the media and he hopes to use this time for not only more reps, but to use this as an opportunity to capitalize on the passing game.
"It's just more reps, more reps at it," the junior QB said. "Right now we're not in full pads. It's mostly just like thud, wrap up, tempo. 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."
The junior gun-slinger was asked to name a player that may break out in 2023, or someone he has a great connection with so far. He immediately said Tyler Morris, his former high school teammate.
"Tyler Morris -- He’s gonna make a big name for himself this year," stated McCarthy. "I have had that connection built since my sophomore year in high school. He's gonna do great things. But also Peyton O'Leary, Darrius Clemons, the young bucks Frederick Moore, Semaj Morgan, Karmelo English. All those guys are showing up on tape. So they're doing a great job. Coach Bell is doing a great job coaching them up. Same with Coach Goodrich. And it's just been a lot of fun to see those guys mold into their own."
Morris played in seven games at wide receiver last fall as a true freshman and he caught three passes for 25 yards. But McCarthy is banking on Morris because of the special connection they have. The 5-foot-11 slot receiver will battle to become the No. 3 receiver for Michigan in 2023, but according to McCarthy -- the connection is money.
"That’s a special connection to me," said McCarthy. "Going back to like you said, Nazareth Academy, I used to call him Simba. I would be Mufasa. And stuff like that.
"Going back to eighth grade, freshman year, when we played seven-on-seven together. That’s my guy. That's my day one. It's one of those things where it's like, I feel like I could close my eyes and throw the ball and I know where he's gonna be out of his break. So having that with everyone is my goal right now. But with T-Mo, it's just like that — [snaps fingers]. It's money."
Michigan opens up its season on Saturday, Sept. 2 against East Carolina.
