Sherrone Moore evaluates depth in quarterback room, healthy competition

Michigan offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore is very excited about the quarterback depth behind starter J.J. McCarthy going into 2023.

McCarthy is the entrenched starter in what could be his final season of college football. Behind him, fighting for the No. 2 spot, is Jack Tuttle (an Indiana transfer), Davis Warren and Alex Orji.

Moore couldn’t wait to see what was in store for his quarterbacks in fall camp.

“It’s crazy talented,” Moore said on the In The Trenches Podcast. “But even better, like they’re just they’re all competitors. They all want to win. And they all kind of understand, they obviously know J.J. is QB1. He’s the number one guy but they’re all fighting for number two, but it’s not combative. They’re all helping each other out. But they’re a super talented group. 

“They all got the ability to make all the throws all of them can run, which is super awesome. So they’re all dual threat, I guess you can say. But they’re all extremely talented and I’m excited about that group.”

Tuttle transferred in and has some playing experience in Big Ten play when he was with the Hoosiers over the last four seasons. In total, he has 901 yards, five touchdowns, six interceptions and a 57.1% completion percentage.

It doesn’t jump off the page, but he’s a quality depth piece for Moore.

As a member of the Class of 2018, Tuttle was a four-star recruit out of San Marcos (Calf.) Mission Hills, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 25 overall prospect in the state, the No. 14 quarterback in the class and the No. 163 overall prospect in the class.

Warren only threw nine passes last season, completing five of them for 89 yards. He’s been in the system, but has to battle for the No. 2 spot according to Moore. Well, like all of the other quarterbacks.

Orji originally committed to Virginia but flipped in December of 2021.

As a member of the Class of 2022, Orji was a four-star recruit out of Sachse (Texas) High, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 60 overall prospect in the state, the No. 12 athlete in the class and the No. 391 overall prospect in the class.

Moore’s depth behind McCarthy won’t be tested as long as the latter stays healthy. For Michigan’s national title hopes, that’s the ideal situation.