J.J. McCarthy on Michigan defensive line: 'They’re getting to me'
Michigan football started fall practice last week in preparation for a second straight Big Ten title defense. While the Wolverines aren’t in full pads yet, that’s allowed the offense to work more on the passing game, junior quarterback J.J. McCarthy said Monday. McCarthy is hoping for a more balanced offense this year, as is head coach Jim Harbaugh, and he’ spent the summer preparing for it.
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“I feel like in order to get over that hump, in order to push through and bring out the most potential we have as an offense, you have to be balanced,” McCarthy said. “Whether you’re a human being or as an offense, the more balanced you are, the more successful you’re going to be. I just feel like that opens up to different levels of attack.
“We’ve been working on it like crazy. It’s been more heavy focus on the pass game these first five practices. It’s been great to get those reps, those opportunities, but we’ve got to be balanced. No matter what it is or how it gets there, we’re going to get there.”
They’re still piecing the offensive line together, and there are battles at both the tackle and center positions. McCarthy has been working with both Greg Crippen and Drake Nugent in taking snaps, and he’s as excited as anyone to see who emerges there. But they all have their hands full across the line with a defensive line that’s extremely gifted across the board, McCarthy noted.
Pass rush has been an emphasis in the offeseason, both interior and exterior, and it appears the added work has paid off. There are four guys inside and four guys on the edges who will play significantly, and some have already made their marks. It starts with another incoming transfer, McCarthy said.
“The D-line is moving,” McCarthy continued. “They are going to be great this year. I give them props every single day so far … they’re just getting to me really quick. It’s just great to see … it helps our offensive line tremendously. A couple of those boys up front — Josaiah Stewart, he’s going to be great this year. Braiden [McGregor] is doing great things. Derrick Moore and Jaylen Harrell, obviously.”
“But the interior guys … whew. Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, Kris Jenkins — it’s going to be not fun for my fellow quarterback friends, that’s for sure.”
Especially since they’re doing it against outstanding offensive linemen. McCarthy isn’t sure how it will play out in front of him, but he’s confident in the group and their coaches. Sherrone Moore has put together back-to-back Joe Moore Award winners, and he’s got the players for another great group.
“It’s very hard to compare to the last two years because they were so great,” McCarthy said. “But all I’m seeing when I look at that front five then — the tackles are [battling], and then Crip and Nugent going after it — just so much talent. So much opportunity to be great once again. So, I’m very excited to see how it plays out.”
