2021 QB JJ McCarthy Caught The Eye Of Tom Rees

2021 Nazareth Academy (Ill.) quarterback JJ McCarthy‍ came to the Notre Dame camp with offers in hand from Cincinnati, Indiana and Iowa State, which meant he had the attention of the Irish coaching staff. 

The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder didn’t disappoint as he had an impressive day and was the top quarterback on the Irish Sports Daily top performers list.

“I had a great time at the Notre Dame camp,” McCarthy told Irish Sports Daily. “It was a good opportunity to perform in front of the coaches.” 

One of the primary goals for McCarthy was to get instruction from Notre Dame quarterbacks coach Tom Rees. 


The Illinois native grew up watching Rees quarterback for the Irish, so the chance to get coached by him was significant for McCarthy.

“I loved Coach Rees’ coaching,” stated McCarthy. “He always addressed a good ball, and he corrected and coached you if there was a bad ball. He made you understand why it was a bad ball.” 

McCarthy took away many lessons, but a few stood out. 

“On my deep ball, I need to try not to lead them so much, but put it on the receiver instead of trying to throw downfield,” explained McCarthy. “I also need to work on my footwork a lot more and not click my feet when I hitch up. 

“When I roll out, I need to work on not taking as many steps to throw so the receiver isn’t waiting for it.” 

The sophomore quarterback was also quick to give credit to his receivers as they helped him out during the 1-on-1 period. 

“I think I did pretty good,” McCarthy said of the 1-on-1 competition. “The receivers helped me out way more than I helped myself out. They did a helluva job. 

“I showed I could put the ball on time with velocity.” 

After the camp, McCarthy was one of three quarterbacks to get pulled aside to get more work in with Rees. 

“Coach Rees told us he saw a lot of potential in us,” said McCarthy. “It was the sign of developing a relationship in the future because he considered us as a quarterback for Notre Dame.

“He said to stay in contact and focus on success with our team."

McCarthy was in South Bend with his teammate Michael Love‍ and thought the 2019 receiver had a big day. 

“I thought he did a really nice job,” McCarthy stated. “That kid is a straight baller. I love Michael.”

As far as his recruitment, McCarthy expects to earn more offers once his season starts as it will be his first year starting on varsity. 

“Multiple schools are saying they will offer after my sophomore season as long as I don’t throw five picks a game,” laughed McCarthy.