Is there any chance we are at risk of losing J.J. to the portal?
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..
December 2nd, 2021 at 1:28 PM ^
No need to answer this spartan or buckeye fan
December 2nd, 2021 at 4:22 PM ^
Any risk? Of course. Degree of risk depends on next year. Will JJ be content to be a QB “specialist”..10 snaps a game or less? Cade has what, 2 or 3 more years of eligibility. A quandary for sure especially if Cade gets us to the final this year.
December 2nd, 2021 at 2:50 PM ^
I like this better.
December 2nd, 2021 at 1:04 PM ^
Naw I doubt it. There's a decent chance he wins the job next year and even if he doesn't, he seems like the kind of kid to wait his turn (especially if he's being given a significant role like he is now)
December 2nd, 2021 at 1:20 PM ^
I’d actually be worried if he doesn’t think he’s got a shot coming out of spring ball. As much as he seems to want to wait his turn and loves Michigan, 5 stars like him come to college with a 3 year timeline in mind before getting drafted with a nice 1st or 2nd round contract. If he thinks he may not start next fall that would mean he only has one year to start at Michigan and there’s a possibility he’d have to potentially fight against a RS Sr Cade and a true frosh Dante Moore to even win the job in 2023. It’d make all the sense in the world to transfer somewhere where you’re definitely going to start for 2 years and I wouldn’t blame him if he did. As much as I love Cade, definitely hoping JJ improves a ton and pulls into the pole position in spring
December 2nd, 2021 at 1:33 PM ^
Yeah, I agree that there's a chance. If it was definitely Cade's last year next year I could see him waiting one more year. But Cade technically has two more years of eligibility even after next year. And Cade probably isn't going to leave for the NFL.
JJ could certainly pass Cade and that'd be best case scenario for the team, but if he doesn't, I'd think he'd probably leave. And if he does win the job, Cade probably leaves. Unfortunately, that's the nature of high level college football. Backups with starting ability aren't going to sit the bench for more than a year.
One thing Michigan should not do is start JJ or play him more than he deserves just to try to keep him around. He needs to earn it and they need to start the best QB for the job and live with whatever might happen to the other guy.
December 2nd, 2021 at 1:38 PM ^
Cade has been a solid QB this season, and has been a successful compliment to the great running game. He's been a great leader. He's going to finish this season as the starting QB, as he should. He also has limited athleticism and arm strength.
JJ is clearly the QB of the future. He has the most NFL potential of any Michigan QB, probably ever, based on his skill set.
Cade has been good, but JJ has the potential to take this offense to the next level, and I fully expect him to win the starting job next year. You can pretty much guarantee he transfers if he isn't the starter, as there are 124 other Division 1 teams who would be thrilled to have him.
This is a Jake Fromm vs Justin Fields situation. Fromm was solid for Georgia and had the veteran experience, but letting Fields go to OSU was a huge mistake.
December 2nd, 2021 at 1:47 PM ^
^ this is the only correct answer.
December 2nd, 2021 at 3:40 PM ^
I agree, but how weird is it that THIS is the correct answer when Cade has led us to an 11-1 record, a win over OSU, and a B1G Championship appearance that in all likelihood turns into a B1G title and a CFP appearance?
December 3rd, 2021 at 3:13 PM ^
Ask Jalen Hurt how it was.
December 2nd, 2021 at 1:59 PM ^
That Tom Brady guy had some pretty good NFL potential too...
December 2nd, 2021 at 2:51 PM ^
Highly doubt it, I cannot see him getting even drafted in the first 5 rounds!
December 2nd, 2021 at 3:02 PM ^
We've seen JJ throw like 12 NFL passes and look quite shaky at times. The potential is undeniable but to conclude this is a Fromm / Fields situation based on what we know is premature. It could just as easily be a Henson / Brady situation. We'll see.
Obviously, the best case is that JJ realizes his potential and passes Cade on merit. I think that's likely to happen but I'll trust the coaches to make that decision before anointing him the next Justin Fields.
Here's a question to ponder as it relates to this comparison: in light of Stroud's penchant for bugging out in the pocket and not playing well under pressure, would you rather have Cade or CJ Stroud? I'm not sure Cade wouldn't do as well or better in OSUs system and don't think I'd take Stroud on Michigan's team over Cade. Maybe, but I don't think it's an easy one.
OSU QBs have proven to be system guys that have insane weapons but all flop miserably in the NFL (Fields pending).
December 2nd, 2021 at 3:17 PM ^
I want a QB who can competently run a zone read keeper if that's going to be part of the offense (which it should be).
December 2nd, 2021 at 6:52 PM ^
It would be easy to think that what we saw against OSU is peak Harb-offense...
But in fact it is not. Add in the zone reads where the QB is true threat to keep...that adds a whole new dimension.
Then add in in a QB that can make NFL type throws...whoa nelly! That blows the top off of things...
An offense that can control the LOS that way M did against OSU, and add a true read-option threat, and have NFL throws...would beat OSU most years...
I think when Patterson arrived and Gattis talked about speed in space, we thought we might get that. Did not quite come together that way.
December 2nd, 2021 at 8:49 PM ^
Agree-- He is the Coach after all that went with Kap instead of Alex Smith.
December 2nd, 2021 at 3:30 PM ^
" It could just as easily be a Henson / Brady situation. We'll see."
While Brady turned into the GOAT in the NFL - Henson's junior season at Michigan is better than Brady's senior season.
Brady Senior Year:
61% completion
201 yards per game
1.45 TD per game
.55 INT per game
138 rating
Henson Jr. year:
60.4% completion
231 yards per game
2 TD per game
.5 INT per game
152.7 rating
December 2nd, 2021 at 4:50 PM ^
Drew Henson was probably a Heisman candidate if he had stayed his senior year.
December 2nd, 2021 at 5:03 PM ^
Drew Henson would have been awesome if he stayed for his senior year. He probably would have had a decent NFL career as well. I hope his Yankee money lasted ($16M?). It's hard to turn down that kind of scratch. Story was that Steinbrenner was an OSU fan.
Anyone who watched Brady vs. Alabama in that Orange Bowl knows that Brady was awesome regardless of stats. Braylon vs. MSU and Biakabatuka vs. OSU are the only single game performances that are in the same league that I can remember. (Desmond and Woodson had more moments but spread over their seasons.)
December 2nd, 2021 at 5:00 PM ^
"JJ is clearly the QB of the future. He has the most NFL potential of any Michigan QB, probably ever, based on his skill set."
I would give that distinction to Drew Henson.
December 2nd, 2021 at 1:46 PM ^
I'd say that timeline applies to almost every 5-star except at the QB position.
They can only learn more, improve mechanics, pocket stepbacks, timing, and NFL defenses require next-level processing.
For almost any other position, I'd agree.
December 2nd, 2021 at 2:08 PM ^
Yes but would you rather take a shot at getting 2 seasons start elsewhere and still be in the NFL by Sept 2024 or do you actually want to roll the dice on only getting 1 season to start here and potentially having to return for a senior season and delay until Sept 2025? Also as great as Harbaugh as rectified himself, he still hasn’t shown that he’s able to consistently churn out high level NFL QB prospects at Michigan (Rudock in the 6th round is the best he’s done thus far). Aside from wearing maize & blue goggles, the reasons for him to stick around are few if he doesn’t truly believe he will get the nod after spring ball
December 2nd, 2021 at 3:28 PM ^
The cold hard truth is JJ or Cade will transfer. It'll suck
December 3rd, 2021 at 12:27 PM ^
I think you are right.
*sigh*
Enjoy them both now while we have them.
December 2nd, 2021 at 4:14 PM ^
He is not leaving, he loves Michigan too much. He has even said that even if he rode the bench until it was his time he will do so. The better JJ is the more he pushes Cade.
December 2nd, 2021 at 1:05 PM ^
I mean, you are at risk for any player deciding to leave.
Only JJ knows how he feels. If he thinks he is blocked and cannot become QB he will probably leave. If he thinks he can win the battle and be the starter, he will probably stay.
In this day of the transfer portal, keeping two All-Big-10 caliber QBs on the roster together is not going to be easy.
December 2nd, 2021 at 2:21 PM ^
really makes one wonder what will happen to OSU's QB room next year when a starter is decided. between stroud, mccord, and ewers, i gotta imagine one of those guys is gone after fall camp.
December 2nd, 2021 at 4:44 PM ^
Stroud was almost the Heisman winner. If he isn't the starter next year, he would be a fool to NOT transfer.
December 3rd, 2021 at 4:58 PM ^
At least one of them will be gone after spring practice.
December 2nd, 2021 at 1:05 PM ^
Get out of here with this BPONE! This shitty loser thought is for losers.
December 2nd, 2021 at 1:46 PM ^
Looser thoughts are for loosers trying to stay loose.
December 2nd, 2021 at 1:05 PM ^
I think JJ will stay bc our coaching staff has done a really good job getting him involved and investing in his development.
I can see the Big Mac/JJ scenario playing out in a similar fashion to Tom Brady/Drew Henson dynamic where Henson played in his first two years before finally taking the reigns in his 3rd year.
December 2nd, 2021 at 1:07 PM ^
JJ isn’t a wicked 3rd baseman with the fatal flaw of not being able to hit a curveball who has draft rights held by a Buckeye, does he?
December 2nd, 2021 at 1:35 PM ^
One problem with this comparison is that, theoretically, they both have freshman eligibility. If Cade were to decide he is going to use his COVID year, he can play three more years so it's not like there's an obvious year where McCarthy will be here and Cade won't.
December 2nd, 2021 at 1:40 PM ^
yeah, but the other problem is the transfer portal is a thing, you no longer have to wait to transfer, AND the culture now seems to be, particularly for QBs, if you dont start, leave. sometimes multiple times. Im not knocking it necessarily, but thats the standard. Waiting 3 years to start is a very old thing to do unless you have a QB pipeline that keeps churning out Junior QBs to the NFL - which we have not done in a long time.
He may love michigan, but im confident he loves playing more. And he may amicably say... peace out... which isnt all doom and gloom since that means Cade is killing it. Neither Cade nor JJ seem able to play any other position as some in the past have done, so... its another limiting factor
December 2nd, 2021 at 1:05 PM ^
I doubt it, but I do understand BPONE. I think he'll see more playing time next year to augment Cade's success and make DCs worry about who is under center. I obviously don't know the kid, but it looks like he's been having fun.
The real question is assuming we win Saturday, is Vegas in play?
December 2nd, 2021 at 1:05 PM ^
Shut your pie-hole!!
December 2nd, 2021 at 1:23 PM ^
I don't remember what I was watching, but in the show they used a variation of 'pie-hole' not using 'pie' and I remember thinking...gone are the days of Leave to Beaver and Father Knows Best.
December 2nd, 2021 at 1:06 PM ^
i dont know why people act like its ridiculous. i dont think itll happen, but its a fair question... after we beat Georgia for the title.
I think if he loses the job and Moore signs up, its possible i guess? dunno though. doesnt seem like moore is a lock by any stretch.
Also.. BEAT IOWA!
December 2nd, 2021 at 1:36 PM ^
I get it, but there is a chance any team can lose any player to the transfer portal. Seems like a weird time to OP about bad news hypotheticals when the reality the football program is in right now is as fun as it has ever been in decades. Which to me, makes this seem like a shitty troll OP.
Nothing to me right now suggests JJ is unhappy with his role in the program. My guess is we'll have to see what shakes out coming out of spring ball before we have any idea what the temperature is in the QB room. Not something most posters want to concern themselves with right now.
Agreed.. Beat Iowa!
December 2nd, 2021 at 1:53 PM ^
we agree - but since its a post topic, i responded! ive definitely thought about it at times, and honestly, we're still not sure if cade is a game manager or a dynamic player, but he's moving week by week away from the former and towards the latter. He reminds me a lot of brady in his demeanor etc... which makes everyone think jj is hensen (for those of us who were there for it).
Its not a ridiculous thought, but lets just wait to discuss in the offseason which hopefully starts mid-Jan after 2 games in that month.
14-1! DO it
December 2nd, 2021 at 3:01 PM ^
It's ridiculous because there is no way to have any idea what JJ might be thinking on this. Not one ounce of info to even begin to guess what might happen in this case...so whats the point in speculating other than to stir shit up?
December 2nd, 2021 at 1:06 PM ^
I've definitely thought about it and think it's a fair question. He has been recruiting for the program somewhat actively, he has gotten time - and I imagine it will increase as he moves forward, unless Cade starts keeping on ZRs more. I think Harbaugh, Gattis and Co. have done a good job of keeping him fed. And if Cade does keep the job next year he probably heads to the NFL while JJ has 2 years of eligibility after that to carve out his own legacy. So I hope that mitigates it.
December 2nd, 2021 at 2:05 PM ^
Cade is not playing in the NFL
December 2nd, 2021 at 4:42 PM ^
If he manages to beat jj out for another year you never know how good that makes him. We don’t see the arm strength or running ability now but if he’s gaming out for 2 years …. who woulda thunk that either.
December 3rd, 2021 at 12:20 PM ^
What round was Brady drafted in? It’s about how much more you can improve and how hard you work at it too. Has McNamara reached his full potential after starting 12 games this year and maybe 14 or 15 in his college career? I doubt it.
December 2nd, 2021 at 2:15 PM ^
The above is pretty much what I think. If I had to handicap it, I think it's more likely than not that he wins the job next year. If he doesn't, he'll play a lot more than this year. If Cade is so good that he prevents that, then Cade will be leaving for the NFL with a real shot, not staying and using every bit of eligibility.
December 2nd, 2021 at 3:35 PM ^
I know Seth and many on this board always bring up the fact Cade has the same freshman eligibility as JJ due to his redshirt year and covid-year, but he's still a Junior in college.
My best guess is that we have a similar set-up to this year in 2022, with an open competition but JJ knowing he'll get even more snaps even if he loses that competition. And then a Senior Cade McNamara will graduate from Michigan in the spring (whether he wins the starting job in '22 or not) and either head off to the NFL if he thinks he'll be drafted, or he grad transfers somewhere that needs a plug and play high level QB.
Whoever wins the job in 2022, JJ will be the man his Junior year in 2023 and he and Donovan Edwards will both be incredible (fulfilling the promises they made during their recruitments) and head off to the NFL together.