JUST IN: Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy avoids NFL draft talk ahead of

ANN ARBOR, Michigan: Is J.J. McCarthy planning to return to Michigan for a final season or head to the NFL?

Watch this space for updates on the quarterback’s future in Ann Arbor as the top-ranked Wolverines get ready to take on Alabama in the Rose Bowl on January 1 at 5 p.m. on ESPN.

This is due to the fact that Friday, January 5, is the first deadline for underclassmen, like junior McCarthy, to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft. All-star games will extend invitations, and the NFL will start sending out lists of eligible third-year players for the draft to teams four days later, on January 9.

That date might coincide if Michigan defeats Alabama in the College Football Playoff semifinal and moves on to face for a national championship on January 8. Jan. 15 is the last day for underclassmen to register for the draft, which is scheduled for April 24-27 in Detroit.

“I haven’t decided anything at all,” McCarthy said to reporters on Monday. I am fully present in the here and now, savoring each and every day, practice, and get-together with my friends. I’ll find out by the conclusion of the season since only God knows the answer to that one.

McCarthy undoubtedly has the credentials to advance if he so chooses. In his three seasons at Michigan, the 6-foot-3, 202-pound quarterback has passed for 5,865 yards and 46 touchdowns, ranking him sixth all-time in program history in both categories. Three games into the 2022 season, he assumed the starting quarterback role and hasn’t looked back. He’s amassed an outstanding 68 percent completion percentage, a 25-1 record as a starter, back-to-back Big Ten crowns, and berths in the College Football Playoffs. In addition, his ability to extend plays and scramble makes him a desirable addition to the modern NFL.

McCarthy appears to have the tape and skill set to be selected in the first round by draft experts, though. Following Michigan’s 12-0 regular season and their Big Ten championship victory over Iowa, ESPN’s Matt Miller released his most recent mock draft on December 12 and predicted that McCarthy would be selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the No. 7 overall choice. Additionally, he shared this piece of insider gossip: “It’s not helping him statistically, but NFL scouts keep telling me that McCarthy will be selected earlier than anticipated. He plays for Michigan.”

After the Big Ten championship game, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh even attempted to bring up the subject with McCarthy.

McCarthy remarked, “He actually brought it up and asked if I wanted to talk about it in the week off.” “He loved it when I told him, ‘I’m only focused on ‘Bama, coach.'” He was energised.

Actually, McCarthy’s performance against the Crimson Tide could determine whether or not he gets drafted. He was quite effective in the Wolverines’ first nine games of the season, but his play cooled off in the latter half. This could have been caused by a nagging leg injury, a damaged offensive line, or a shift in the offensive strategy (he only attempted eight passes in the victory over Penn State).

McCarthy is also prone to errors, as seen by his three interceptions against Bowling Green in September and his two pick-6s against Texas Christian in the CFP playoff last year.

It might only take a great showing against Alabama—and maybe even beyond—to for him to quit. He’s not quite ready to commit, though, in either case.

“I could understand how that would be. McCarthy responded, “I could see that,” when questioned about the upcoming three weeks. “I think I’m going at it the same way I did in Week 1.” You have the chance to show off to scouts and NFL teams each and every time you put yourself out there. I’m simply maintaining the same mindset that I did in Week 1.