The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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"He has tremendous physical and ath- letic ability, in every single way that you would want your quarterback," Harbaugh praised. "The rare thing is that he would sacri- fice anything for any player on this team. He's just so willing to do whatever is best for the team. "I would follow him anywhere, happily. I suggest that all players on our team do the same thing. "Anything you tell him — any coaching point that you give — he just he absorbs it and will make the correction immedi- ately. It's tremendous." McCarthy won the job and led 11 more straight wins He followed up his out- standing first year as a starter with an incredible spring. 'Like Watching A Video Game' Moore took it a step further, noting it was like "watching a video game" when McCarthy was out there this spring. The first-year starter made the throws, was reading defenses, knew the offense in- side and out, and played with great con- fidence. McCarthy had his best practices ap- proaching the opener in fall camp a year ago, tightening the race with incumbent Cade McNamara and eventually earning the starting role. He never looked back. This spring, he was already in midsea- son form. Knowing he was the starter and the experience he got last year has made him comfortable and confident heading into the 2023 season. "It has a tremendous, tremendous im- pact. It just feels like I have a solid foun- dation right now," McCarthy said of being the clear No. 1. "It's so much easier to grow upon that foundation when it's safe, secure. I just know where I'm at. I'm not in my head as much. Everything is happening so effort- lessly now. "It's been absolutely amazing … it feels like everything's in harmony. Being so- lidified as the guy is a complete honor. I'm happy — I've worked to get that po- sition. "It's just been so much easier to be on the same page with the guys that I know I'm going to throw to this season, and just building up the chemistry has been amaz- ing. "I can't wait to see how the season plays out." That attitude is why Harbaugh is so bullish on his young quarterback, and he's not alone. Even as a freshman playing sparingly (11 games, 34-of-59 passing for 516 yards and 5 touchdowns), McCarthy took command of the huddle and let his older teammates know he wasn't intimi- dated. His coaches and teammates say his de- meanor is one of the reasons he's gained so much respect in the locker room. He always kept it positive in his battles with Cade McNamara for the starting job and is always supportive of his teammates while keeping his head down and working. There's no question who's in charge McCarthy, who includes meditation among his pregame preparations, exudes a natural confidence and swagger on the field along with the ability to connect with every- one in the U-M program. PHOTO BY CHAD WEAVER 46 ■ THE WOLVERINE 2023 FOOTBALL PREVIEW