Skip to main content
michigan logo

Michigan QB Jack Tuttle is proving to be a great addition, has one goal

Chris Balasby:Chris Balas•03/16/23•

Balas_Wolverine

michigan-footballs-jack-tuttle-proving-to-be-a-great-addition-has-one-goal-in-mind
Indiana quarterback Jack Tuttle is making the most of his transfer to Michigan. Photo: Letterman Row

Michigan coaches needed to beef up the quarterback room in the offseason after Cade McNamara transferred, so they set out to find someone with experience and leadership skills. 

RELATED

• Healthy Nikhai Hill-Green is a ‘huge addition’ to suddenly deep Michigan linebacker group

• INSIDE THE FORT: Michigan spring football, hoops, more

They didn’t have to look far — in their own conference and division, in fact. When it became clear Indiana’s Jack Tuttle was looking for a change of scenery, running backs coach Mike Hart was on it, having had a prior relationship with the quarterback from his time there. 

So far, it’s ended up being a great match. Tuttle arrived with only one immediate goal, he said — to help Michigan win a national championship. Whether it’s as a backup, third string, or if he sees the field (only if, God forbid, something were to happen to J.J. McCarthy), he’s intent on playing his role to the best of his ability. 

“There are a lot of reasons I came here. I had a lot of good connections … I’ve known Coach Hart for a long time, Coach Harbaugh,” Tuttle told Jon Jansen on the In the Trenches podcast. “They’re obviously phenomenal, doing a great job. I felt comfortable coming in with them. Obviously, the facilities, strength staff — those guys are amazing. Those are all plusses to it. 

“But when we get down to it, the reason I wanted to come here was No. 1, to help Michigan win a national championship, and do everything I can to help that happen. Right now, that’s the only reason.  There are other reasons I did come, but that’s the only reason I’m here and what I’m focused on as of now … the other reasons are in the future.”

Many of them revolve around the NFL, whether it’s as a player or a coach, whatever. He’s already got his MBA and two degrees from Indiana, and now he’s in the highly rated Michigan school of social work exploring other avenues. His dream is to do something with the pros, and Harbaugh, of course, has incredible connections.

But Tuttle is proving to be more than just a guy in the early going. He’s impressed with his arm talent, and he can move better than expected. He’ll push Davis Warren for No. 2, and his improved athleticism has a lot to do with it.

“My style has really developed over my career,” the Michigan quarterback said. “At the beginning, in high school, I was probably more of a passer, and over my career through strength coach [Aaron] Wellman at Indiana and Coach [Ben] Herbert, I’ve been able to develop quite a bit more speed. I’m getting my 40 down, my body better …

“I’m now more a dual threat quarterback. I’ll get my 40 down to 4.5, 4.6 … I kind of have that tough, hard-nosed mindset, kind of like Andrew Luck. That’s always who I always looked up to growing up. That’s kind of who my play style reflects, I believe.”

The competition has been healthy, Tuttle said, and his teammates have embraced him. New quarterbacks coach Kirk Campbell has been “awesome,” too, he added. As a former captain, Tuttle is taking it all in and leading quietly … for now. 

But his leadership and football acumen is what separates him from others, former IU teammate and Michigan tight end transfer AJ Barner said. Whatever his role, he’s’ going to help the team. 

“He’s just a football junkie,” Barner said. “I remember when we first got here, we’re learning plays, don’t have scripts yet for practice. Jack’s making his own scripts, going through the plays in his head. He loves to do that. As a teammate, he’s always willing to go the extra mile. Whether it’s in the building, outside, guys want to go get dinner, Jack is the first guy to mention that. 

“If you want catches after practice, always there to throw to you. So, little things like that … I can go on and on. He’s just a good dude and a great football player, also.”

And proving to be a great fit on a Michigan team with national championship aspirations. 

You may also like