Blake Corum weighs in on Michigan quarterback competition

The quarterback competition at Michigan is one of the more intriguing fall camp storylines across the country. Will head coach Jim Harbaugh and staff go with Cade McNamara, the returning starter who led the Wolverines last year to their first Big Ten title in nearly two decades, or J.J. McCarthy, the heralded up-and-comer with undeniable physical tools? Their backfield teammate, running back Blake Corum, thinks either one will be a great option for Michigan.

Corum, speaking to Big Ten Network’s Howard Griffith after practice, touted both of the Michigan signal callers. McNamara led the team a year ago and brings credibility and his even disposition to the position, whereas McCarthy has the arm and legs to dazzle, according to Corum.

“They’re good at different things, right? And then they’re great at some of the same things,” Corum said. “Cade, you know, he led us last year. He’s great at throwing the ball. He’s really, really smart. And then you have JJ. He’s versatile, he can run, he’s a threat when he’s out there. So, I mean, they’re battling. And they’re pushing each other, as they should be.”

Michigan has yet to name either the starting quarterback. Last year, McNamara started all 14 games the Wolverines played, but McCarthy saw significant action throughout the year as both a runner and passer. Corum himself did not want to pick out a winner of the quarterback competition unfolding before him.

“That’s above my pay grade to see who starts,” Corum said with a chuckle, “but they’re both great. At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with either. They’re competing. I believe they really like each other and they push each other. They want each other to be great. So, we’ll see.”

Michigan’s quarterback competition could roll into the season

Harbaugh told reporters on Wednesday that he is open to the possibility of the battle continuing into the season.

“It’s possible there’s a starter by the first game,” Harbaugh said, according The Athletic’s Austin Meek. “It’s possible it plays into the season.”

A time share at quarterback would not be unprecedented — Michigan did so last year with the same two players and defeated Ohio State, won the Big Ten and made the College Football Playoff. McNamara was the official starter, throwing for 2,576 yards, 15 touchdowns and six interceptions. McCarthy, a top 100 recruit who ranked as the No. 9 quarterback in the 2021 class according to On3 Consensus, appeared in 11 games as his backup to finish 34-of-59 passing for 516 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions.