Is there any chance we are at risk of losing J.J. to the portal?

Submitted by jimmyjoeharbaugh on December 2nd, 2021 at 1:00 PM

The Adrian Martinez news reminded me that we have a potential future star in the QB room who doesn't look to have a good shot at QB1 next year given Cade's development and consistency this year. 

Are we at all worried he bails to somewhere he can get the starting job? 

I hope not, and if this is a dumb board topic, i apologize. It's just that it's carousel season and BPONE never really dies, it just goes into remission, and stuff. 

All hail JJ 

Those who stay..

FlexUM

December 2nd, 2021 at 1:08 PM ^

I mean there is always a risk...even if small. I think it is incredibly small with J.J. though. Regardless of what happens next year with the starter, he will take on an even bigger role with the offense and is setup to be an absolute star the year after. He has already made a name for himself and that will be multiplied next year setting him up for what could be a blockbuster '23.

FireUpChips

December 2nd, 2021 at 1:10 PM ^

This has been on my mind a lot, especially with McNamara returning next year, and JJ being more than ready to lead the team. However, there’s no point in making this post because nobody knows the answer to it. 

Brhino

December 2nd, 2021 at 1:10 PM ^

This is my least favorite part of the transfer portal.  We were extremely fortunate to keep Cade healthy this entire year (the minimal running and excellent O-line protection didn't hurt of course).  You're always one bad play away from needing your backup quarterback.  It used to be with good recruiting you could have a star QB and a star-in-waiting backup.  Much less of a sure thing these days.

swn

December 2nd, 2021 at 1:14 PM ^

It seems unlikely next year since there's still a good chance he can win the starting role, but I can't see both wanting to stay on the roster together for 3 more years. I don't know why people are acting like that's ridiculous to even consider.

ak47

December 2nd, 2021 at 1:25 PM ^

I mean honestly, it’s probably 50/50 one of jj or Cade are in the transfer portal after spring ball

can deal with that after we win 3 more games

ak47

December 2nd, 2021 at 2:38 PM ^

I'm not an insider at all and have never claimed to be. Its just logic. JJ has the type of talent that making the NFL is possible, Cade isn't going to be enticing to the NFL because he lacks elite measurables and the offense doesn't set up for him to put up big gaudy stats. If Cade is still the starter here next year, JJ isn't going to sit for 2 years playing spot snaps and red zone drives, he's going to go somewhere to try to start and prove he can make the NFL. As he should, it would be incredibly stupid for JJ if he loses the starting battle again this off season to stick around because it helps Michigan at the cost of his own career prospects. Just like it was absolutely the right decision for Will Levis to go to Kentucky rather than sit behind and share a few snaps with Clifford this year because he's now on the nfl radar.

And if Cade loses the job to JJ he isn't going to stay here to be an upperclassman backup when he can transfer and start elsewhere. Just like it was the right decision for Jalen Hurts to transfer to Oklahoma after losing the Bama starting job to Tua. It defies logic for either player to stay here next year if they don't win the starting job and giving JJ 10 snaps a game doesn't change that reality. It is what it is when you have a spot only one guy can play at a time. There is nothing we can control as fans other than enjoy the ride this year and be honest one of them is almost certainly gone next year and not be made about it when it happens. 

BoCanHam15

December 2nd, 2021 at 2:52 PM ^

Hurts/Tua, McNamara/McCarthy, yes I definitely see where YOU can rationalize where your mind is.  I’ve heard of apples to apples before and respectfully AK I know you’re genuinely interested in letting everyone know how intelligent you are when it comes to football.  So yeah you’ve definitely made your point.  It’s a funny one but I’ll leave it there.  I’ll just zip my mouth because I have to do it with my better half a lot when I realize there’s no rationale to the conversation.  Tua and Hurts lol.

 

LSAClassOf2000

December 2nd, 2021 at 1:27 PM ^

I think we simply need to realize that such risk elimination is just impossible ultimately - there's always a chance, however miniscule and however bizarre the circumstances may need to be in order to get such a result. After all, there is a chance that I could mistake the peeler in my kitchen for my razor one day and do the same thing to my face that I might to a potato. There's always a chance. That said, I think the chances of McCarthy transferring sit somewhere around the chances of me peeling my face one day. 

 

RXwolverine

December 2nd, 2021 at 1:31 PM ^

I’d be shocked considering his love for Michigan but I really wouldn’t care too much. We have our QB for 2022. If JJ is patient he will have the job almost guaranteed in 2023 giving him 2 years as the starter. It’s really up to him. That would be the best case scenario for us. 4 years zero QB controversy. I want some of that!

The Deer Hunter

December 2nd, 2021 at 1:33 PM ^

For the naysayers, put yourself in JJ's shoes. 

I'm a 5* QB with a cannon for an arm, can make throws most QB's can't and an above average RPO option runner. If I have to sit the next 2 years and settle for 4 or 5 plays a game It's something I seriously have to consider. 

The coaches really have to do a sales job here because JJ has to think about his financial future as an NFL QB. 

 

Berger04

December 2nd, 2021 at 1:33 PM ^

No. I think he will wait his turn. Its a fine line of playing time and happiness, but Michigan coaches are doing a good job of keeping him involved. You can't NOT go with Cade, he's a proven winner.

I think our shot with D. Moore has gone up a lot with OSU getting a commitment from QB Devin Brown. That puts 4 elite QB's on that roster next year.  

maizenblue92

December 2nd, 2021 at 1:34 PM ^

McNamara and McCarthy both have the same remaining eligibility. This means waiting your turn is out of the question as McNamara has zero pro potential. JJ would have to take the job or won't start. So if JJ doesn't overtake Cade by the middle of the next season I would say the likelihood of a transfer is high because he'd likely think he was blocked by that point.

bhughes81

December 2nd, 2021 at 1:50 PM ^

If J.J. is as good we want to believe he is and Cade is still good enough to be ahead of him, then Cade is off to the NFL after the 2022 season. Eligibility timeline is rarely an issue when it comes to actual good players. For the most part, only mediocre players stay through all of their years of eligibility.