Q&A With IL’s #1 Prospect: J.J. McCarthy
Overview: J.J. McCarthy is widely considered the #1 prospect in all of Illinois. The 6’2, 200-pound quarterback has all the intangibles you look for in a signal-caller. The senior to be chose the Michigan Wolverines over a huge list of potential suitors. Beyond McCarthy’s physical attributes, he’s mature beyond his years and is a ferocious competitor on the playing field. McCarthy has quickly become an Illinois legend. We caught up with him and discussed a little bit of everything.
Q: Why did you choose to attend Nazareth?
A: “The word FAMILY at Naz is real. Coach Racki and all the players took me in as their little brother from 6th grade on. I knew academically and athletically it was the best fit for me.”
Q: Did you look into attending any other schools or was it all Naz from day 1?
A: “I did. LT and Brother Rice were my two other schools I was considering.”
Q: You’ve obviously had some pretty incredible feats, 3 year starter, State Champion, Army All-American, did you always dream about this kind of stuff?
A: “Most importantly I’ve been part of the best football program in IL. Coach Racki is the GOAT. My teammates are my brothers for life. Winning State and getting selected to the All American Bowl were two of my goals for high school. Nothing would be better than winning another state championship with my guys.”
Q: What made Michigan the right fit?
A: “#1 winningest program in CFB History. #2 110,000 diehard fans every weekend. #3 Number #1 Public Institution in the Country. #4 Ross Business School is ranked #2 in the world. #5. The coaching staff is like an extension of my family.”
Q: Are you going to ask coach Harbaugh to climb up a tree at your in-home visit?
A: “Hah! Nah.”
Q: National Recruiting Analyst Tom Lemming said you were the best quarterback to come out of Illinois since Jimmy Garoppolo, a guy who just played in the Super Bowl. What do those expectations mean to you?
A: “That’s unreal to hear that. Honestly, I have so much I want to accomplish. I can only be the best version of myself. Getting compared to guys like Jimmy G isn’t really fair. He has earned so much and everyone has their own story. I hope my story has more super bowls than Tom Brady. I always said If your friends aren’t laughing at your goals, you didn’t set them high enough. Thank you for the compliment. All respect to Jimmy G for putting IL QBs on the map.”
Q: You guys made it all the way to the state championship last season and came up short to Mt. Carmel. What did you learn from that experience?
A: “For me personally it was the best lesson I learned so far… I haven’t done crap yet. I knew that I had to raise my game to another level mentally and physically. I thought I was doing everything I could to prepare but really I wasn’t doing enough. All respect to Mt. Carmel for beating us. Hopefully we can get another opportunity to play them. They’re a great opponent.”
Q: You play for one of best coaches in IHSA history in Tim Racki. What has he meant to you?
A: “No other coach has won a 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, and 7A State Titles and that will never be touched. Beyond the football success, Coach Rack will always be one of the greatest men I ever come across in my life. I have learned so many life lessons from him. I will ALWAYS be grateful moving forward through college and after.”
Q: When you look back on your time at Naz how do you want to be remembered?
“Great question… A friend to everyone in the hallways and just one of the guys who gave everything to his teammates and would do anything for them.”
Q: Any thoughts on Ohio State?
A: “Not at this time. I am focusing on Week #1 my senior season.”