Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy has had a stellar second season and Wolverines fans might want to thank one of their most hated opponents for that.
McCarthy was a guest on a recent episode of “The Rich Eisen Show.” During his appearance, he revealed how he is very interested in attending Ohio State two years ago. The Buckeyes decided to go in a different direction after Urban Meyer stepped down and Ryan Day took over. McCarthy says it’s been a huge motivator for him.
McCarthy recalls: “Urban Meyer left and he was the one who recruited me. copied by Grant Hughes of 247 Sports. “After he left, it was Coach Day’s gig. The day the coach wanted to take a different path in quarterback for the class of 2021. I respected him for his decision, but it was something that ignited a small fire in me.
McCarthy, who grew up a Buckeyes fan in Illinois, said he visited Michigan shortly after being told that Ohio State was no longer interested in him. That’s when Jim Harbaugh made a big impression on him and “showed nothing but love”.
“As things went through the hiring process and I met with both schools, I thought, ‘You know what? After actually being here in both places, (Michigan) is the place to go’,” McCarthy told Eisen. “It’s just an internal feeling I feel when I’m here. It was almost for me to be here.
It is unknown if McCarthy became a starter at Ohio State. What we do know is that he has thrown 2,376 yards, 20 touchdowns and just 3 interceptions this season. He’s a perfect fit for Harbaugh’s offense.
He may have grown up being an Ohio State fan, but McCarthy showed earlier this year that his allegiance to the Buckeyes is gone. Day is a part of do do.
