Big Ten play 'is the time to use' J.J. McCarthy's running ability, and why the Michigan quarterback now wears a visor

Michigan Wolverines football junior quarterback J.J. McCarthy has a big arm and can make NFL throws. But he’s also a threat with his legs, and last week’s game against Rutgers was a reminder of that, with McCarthy recording 5 non-sack rush attempts for 71 yards, including 3 read-option keepers for 33 yards. Four of his 5 rushes went for first downs, including for 16 yards on 3rd and 3, 9 yards on 4th and 1 (from his own 36-yard line) and 5 yards on 3rd and 5.

His running ability adds another element to the Michigan offense besides just his arm and the traditional, handoff run game.

“Our read-options, what I’m looking for are eyes, demeanor, athlete. You have my read key’s eyes, his demeanor and just his athleticism — all the film study I do throughout the week to see, alright, how fast is this guy, how smooth are his transitions with his hips? It’s as simple as reading one guy and then reacting instinctually, a .5-second decision.”

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McCarthy has been sound in his decision-making on those plays, making it easier for Michigan offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore to call them. The tougher decision is actually for Moore, head coach Jim Harbaugh and the coaching staff on when to break out designed runs for their quarterback.

The Wolverines don’t have much proven depth at the position behind him, and losing their best player after taking an unnecessary hit would be less than ideal. On top of that, McCarthy has shown the propensity for taking hits instead of sliding or getting out of bounds. Harbaugh has pleaded with him to get out of harm’s way when running. McCarthy took a big step with that against Rutgers, scampering to the sideline when it was available. The Michigan quarterback is a former hockey player and loves contact, but he’s grown in knowing that avoiding it when possible is the best route to take.

“The running out of bounds thing is something I’ve definitely been working on for my entire football career,” McCarthy said with a smile. “I’ve finally listened wholeheartedly this past weekend, and I felt a heck of a lot better on Sunday, that’s for sure. I’ll definitely carry that into the next weeks.”

Michigan chose to use McCarthy’s legs sparingly in non-conference play, with the Wolverines winning each game by at least 25 points. He had only 7 rushes in that stretch, only a few being designed runs. But with the Big Ten season here, expect to see more of McCarthy making things happen on the ground. After all, as Michigan coaches and players have said, conference wins count as two — one for the Wolverines and another because the opponent drops in the standings.

“The first three games … Coach Moore knows how I play — every single play, I’m going to go 100 percent, 100 percent of the time. He wanted to limit those chances of happening as much as possible throughout those three games, because I can get myself into sticky situations, and he knows that,” McCarthy revealed. “But while we’re in Big Ten play, that’s the time to use it, because it is so effective and it helps our run game so much, our pass game so much. Now’s the time to do it, and they did a great job just holding me back a little bit.”

J.J. McCarthy reveals decision to become a visor quarterback

McCarthy has shown off his improved level of play so far this season, leading the country with a 79.8 completion percentage and throwing 8 touchdowns through four contests. He’s been different in that respect. He’s also looked different in appearance, wearing a clear visor on his helmet this season, after not doing so a year ago.

“The visor, that was something that I always wanted when I first came here, but Coach Harbaugh was strict on no visor,” McCarthy revealed. “He said with the arm sleeve, with the visor, use it to your discretion. If it becomes a distraction then he’s gonna take it off. So, I just threw it on there, and I love the feel. Look good, feel good, play good, all that. But yeah, something that I always wanted.”

Michigan is giving McCarthy more freedom in multiple ways.