Michigan WR Roman Wilson discusses J.J. McCarthy's leadership style, playing hometown Hawai'i, more
Michigan Wolverines football senior quarterback Cade McNamara has made 16 consecutive starts behind center, but he’ll give way to sophomore J.J. McCarthy Saturday night at The Big House when U-M takes on Hawai’i. McCarthy will open the game, with head coach Jim Harbaugh still evaluating who his full-time quarterback will be.
Harbaugh revealed on the Inside Michigan Football radio show Monday night that McCarthy will take the bulk of the practice snaps with the 1s, like McNamara did last week. It’ll be his job to get the Wolverines’ offense going from the start — new territory — but junior wide receiver Roman Wilson said the preparation for his position group won’t change.
“It’s always the same,” Wilson said of how the Michigan wideouts prepare depending on who’s behind center. “We work as hard as we can, put in as much work as we can. I don’t think the quarterback room should change that.”
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Naturally, McCarthy has a different leadership style than McNamara, a team captain.
“I feel like, J.J., he’s the type of guy that brings a positive attitude, kind of cheers people up and leads by example,” Wilson said at his Monday night press conference. “Kind of just the person you want to be like. Always ready for the game, always wants to put in the work. Things like that.”
The Michigan offense was productive in Week 1 against Colorado State, but it struggled on 3rd down (4-for-10) and in the red zone, scoring 4 touchdowns on 7 attempts. Fifteen different receivers caught passes, though, and Wilson thought the wideouts played a good game.
“I thought it was really good,” the Michigan receiver said of the offensive performance in the 51-7 win. “There’s always going to be room for improvement. I thought we played really well. Receivers blocked really well and ran good routes. Took advantage of most of our opportunities but there’s always room for improvement.”
Wilson got his 1st touchdown of the season on a screen pass that he took 61 yards to the house. He was asked if he expected it to be that easy.
“I wouldn’t say it was easy, but I prepared myself pretty well,” Wilson said. “I knew the ball was coming, and I knew how to take advantage of it.”
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Wilson is Michigan’s lone player from Hawai’i, with the Honolulu native set to square off with the Rainbow Warriors in what will be a ‘surreal’ moment.
“My emotions, honestly, I just feel so blessed,” Wilson said. “Growing up, I wouldn’t have expected to be, first of all, at Michigan and then be able to play my hometown.
“Just so honored, to be honest.”
Hawai’i was Wilson’s very first scholarship offer, well before he blew up as a national recruit and wound up committing to Michigan. The Rainbow Warriors have struggled as of late, but had a run of 8 winning seasons from 1999-2010. When the program is good, it’s special for those on island, and Wilson will always have a soft spot for the school.
“I feel like it means a whole lot,” the Michigan receiver said of when Hawai’i is winning. “I know their head coach, Timmy Chang, was a big inspiration for a lot of people growing up. [Former quarterback] Colt Brennan, there were a couple of receivers that I knew and kind of watched throughout the years.
“I feel like when people go to their hometown and they live there, it means so much to their community. You look up and look at these role models in your life and realize you can be like them too.”
