JD PicKell: Michigan quarterback competition will benefit both Cade McNamara, J.J. McCarthy

The quarterback competition in Michigan between Cade McNamara and J.J. McCarthy will be an important one to keep an eye on, and On3’s JD PicKell believes that this competition will only bring out the best in the two and for the team.

“The feeling within the program is, and around Ann Arbor, whoever it is, good,” PicKell said. “Because ultimately a competition in fall camp is just going to raise the play of both these guys, like they’re both going to absolutely put their best forward.”

McNamara started every game for the Wolverines last season, leading them to a Big 10 championship, a College Football Playoff game, and a win over rival Ohio State. But McCarthy did play a role in Michigan’s offensive attack as a freshman last season, especially the run game. McCarthy made an appearance in 11 games throwing for 516 yards and 5 touchdowns along with 124 yards on the ground and 2 rushing touchdowns.

“Again it might be both of them for some point of the season, if they go with the same model as last year obviously it worked. Obviously the two quarterback system worked last year but how long do you want to stay with that? I think teams more often than not would like to have one quarterback to be the guy.”

While a two quarterback system isn’t necessarily regarded as ideal, it’s hard to argue with the results that Wolverines put up last year doing so. Their offensive attack with McNamara at the helm and McCarthy providing the occasional change up was second in the Big 10 in points per game.

There’s no question that the Wolverine quarterback room is full of talent, and hopefully healthy competition between McNamara and McCarthy can help them both reach their highest potential of that talent.

“It’s going to make Cade McNamara better, it’s going to make J.J. McCarthy better; the cream will rise to the top. And so if it’s JJ McCarthy out of camp, then he beat out a Big 10 championship quarterback, he beat out a College Football Playoff caliber quarterback and so if he wins the job, great, he must be the best option. If it’s Cade McNamara, awesome he beat a very talented kid in J.J. McCarthy who brings a lot to the table especially vertically,” PicKell said.

Regardless of who starts for the Wolverines, morale should be high for them coming off of their best season under Jim Harbaugh and arguably the most quarterback talent they’ve had in some years.