WATCH: Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy discusses pro day, rising NFL Draft stock
Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy is one of the biggest names in the entire 2024 NFL Draft class with stock that seems to rise with each passing day. A lot of that pre-draft hype culminated into the pro day in Ann Arbor on Friday where he got to show off his talents in a comfortable environment in familiar and friendly territory.
McCarthy met with the media after his workout and discussed what his goals have been during the process and more.
“Just kind of showing everybody what I already know and what Coach Harbaugh already knows and Coach Moore and everyone that’s been speaking about me know,” McCarthy said. “Just want to go out there and just be my best self every single day and be better than I was yesterday. That’s all I’m trying to show.
“This process is so unique. They put you through so many different loops and hoops and all that. So it’s just been everything, all the advice that I’ve been getting is to take it day by day, and really enjoy the process because you only get to do this once. And that’s what I’ve been trying to do.”
Michigan had 18 players at the NFL Combine last month and could have a record number of players drafted this year after going 15-0 and winning the College Football Playoff National Championship. McCarthy spoke on how the program prepares players for the NFL.
“You just add that onto the strict structure that we hold onto every day,” McCarthy said. “The discipline from being here and having that inevitable spotlight around Michigan football all the time. So you combine all that, this is the greatest university in the world to prepare for something like the NFL.”
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McCarthy is leaving Ann Arbor a year early to pursue an NFL dream, but his time at Michigan was just another step on the journey of achieving a lifelong dream.
“It’s a dream come true,” McCarthy said. “Everything I’ve been working for since I was in fifth grade and I started editing my life to be in the position I’m in today. But at the end of the day, I’m just thrilled to be on the team and keep going and being ready to climb another mountain with another group of guys. So that’s really the emotions. It’ll be great, but ready to get to work.”
The 2024 NFL Draft, set for April 25-27, will take place 45 minutes down the road in Detroit, Michigan just months after achieving CFP glory. The weekend will serve as an infomercial of sorts for the program, and McCarthy sees that as all part of the plan.
“It’s divine intervention, honestly,” he said. “That’s the only thing I could think of. All the stars are aligning. Everything about my whole process getting here, the journey we went through together as a team, and 18 guys going to the Combine, and just ending it the way we ended it. And then with the cherry on top, with the Draft in Detroit, it’s just amazing.”
