D.C. Jesse Minter on what he's seen from Michigan's Quarterbacks
The Michigan defense made huge strides last year under Mike Macdonald, and now it’s up to Jesse Minter to keep it going. He’s pleased with his group in the early going, and it hasn’t been easy going up against what should be a powerful offense.
RELATED: Michigan football – Jesse Minter has a plan to replace the elite ends
RELATED: Michigan football – Steve Clinkscale on Ja’Den McBurrows, recovery
Michigan has a number of weapons on the offensive side of the ball, led by a pair of quarterbacks in Cade McNamara and J.J. McCarthy. McNamara, a senior, is a Big Ten champion and has made strides. Sophomore McCarthy is right on his heels, pushing him every day in practice.
Both have put in the time and earned the respect of their Michigan teammates. By all accounts, it’s been a tight race in camp, with both playing very well.
Even the coaches are excited to see how it plays out, including those on the defensive side.
“It’s not my job to evaluate them, but they are both exceptional players,” Minter said. “I think one of the things about Cade is he is more athletic than people talk about. He moves around really well in the pocket. J.J. can certainly take off and make plays. But they’re both really good. They both present different challenges.”
Both Michigan quarterbacks should play a lot in the non-conference portion of the schedule if all goes as planned. While the smart money appears to be on McNamara to start, this battle should continue into the Big Ten season.
Top 10
- 1Breaking
DJ Lagway
Florida QB to return vs. LSU
- 2
Dylan Raiola injury
Nebraska QB will play vs. USC
- 3
Elko pokes at Kiffin
A&M coach jokes over kick times
- 4New
SEC changes course
Alcohol sales at SEC Championship Game
- 5
Bryce Underwood
Michigan prepared to offer No. 1 recruit $10.5M over 4 years
It’s a luxury. And as has been noted too many times, having two capable quarterbacks — at Michigan or anywhere else — is almost a necessity these days.
“We talk to our edge guys about how to rush differently against those types of quarterbacks,” the Michigan defensive coordinator continued. “So, it’s great work in that regard of having to recognize teams might play two quarterbacks, where you might have to recognize how to rush a guy a certain way. One guy you might not mind if he gets out; one guy you want to keep in the pocket.
“So, it’s a tremendous opportunity for us to go against not only those two, but our entire offense. Coach [Matt] Weiss, [Sherrone] Moore, and [Jim] Harbaugh have tremendous talent over there. It’s a tremendous scheme we get to go against. So, it’s a blessing for us to try to get better every day.”
So far, so good heading toward the Sept. 3 opener against Colorado State.
