J.J. McCarthy Says He Is ‘Almost Perfectly Healed’ Heading Into Big Ten Championship Game

What makes Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy so good isn’t just his arm, his accuracy, or his decision-making. But what makes McCarthy the whole package, and what is going to make him a high draft pick whenever he chooses to enter the NFL draft, is the fact that he can use his legs to extend plays or be an effective runner. Midseason, McCarthy was using his legs, and offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore was calling designed runs for McCarthy. But in a game at Penn State when Moore had Michigan pass just eight times, McCarthy was seen limping at times — while running the ball eight times for 34 yards. The week after, at Maryland, Moore didn’t call any designed quarterback runs for McCarthy and the gunslinger appeared to be off target several times on his passes — there was something apparently wrong.

But heading into Ohio State last weekend, McCarthy assured everyone that he was feeling good and treatments were working. And after Saturday was over and the Wolverines came out on top with a 30-24 victory over Ohio State, it looked like McCarthy was back to normal. He ran the ball four times for 17 yards, but McCarthy was on target with his throws and extended the play several times by escaping the pocket and using his legs.

On Monday, during a Zoom conference call heading into the Big Ten Championship game against Iowa, McCarthy was once again asked about his lower leg injury. He said he is almost healed and he keeps attacking his treatment on a daily basis. “My lower leg injury is almost perfectly healed,” said McCarthy. “It was a rough couple of weeks, but you know, the athletic training staff did a tremendous job. I attack treatment every single day so it’s doing good.”

Sherrone Moore was the acting head coach for the last three games in place of suspended head coach Jim Harbaugh. Moore said he wasn’t going to hold back or handcuff McCarthy entering Ohio State week, and Moore told reporters on Monday that he thinks McCarthy showed he’s healthier from his play against the Buckeyes. “I think he’s better,” said Michigan offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore. “I think he showed that when he took off and ran down the sideline, and ran past those guys. He’s feeling good.” McCarthy has now won 24 consecutive regular season games as the starting quarterback at Michigan. While he’s just a junior, he has another year of eligibility, coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters on Monday that McCarthy has had a tremendous Michigan career.

“And J.J. McCarthy, once again, the guardian of victory for our team,” said head coach Jim Harbaugh. “[McCarthy] had a tremendous game, has had a tremendous season, tremendous career.”