2021 QB JJ McCarthy Loved Latest Visit To Notre Dame
It’s never too early to recruit a quarterback and 2021 Nazareth Academy (Ill.) signal caller JJ McCarthy was on Notre Dame’s campus on Saturday for another unofficial visit.
“It was awesome,” McCarthy told Irish Sports Daily. “I loved it. It was cool to see them actually practice and Coach (Tom) Rees coaching.”
The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder was fired up to watch the Irish scrimmage and felt the intensity of the College Football Playoff on the line.
“You could tell they were practicing for the playoffs,” stated McCarthy. “The actually did a live scrimmage, and it was cool to see how they compete with the No. 1 offense, the No. 1 defense and the twos. It was just really cool to see.”
Watching practice also allowed McCarthy to observe the coaching style and methods of Rees and it’s safe to say the Nazareth Academy star was impressed.
“It felt like home,” said McCarthy. “My quarterback coach at home teaches the same way and has the same attitude towards getting us better. I really like it a lot.”
McCarthy also connected with 2021 Pickerington Central (Ohio) receiver Lorenzo Styles Jr. on the trip, which could bode well for a school down the line.
“Lorenzo and I hit it off,” explained McCarthy. “It was really cool meeting him. We formed a little relationship going into the future. It’s nice to have someone with the same goals, and it’s going to be good with him and I.”
Two 2021 duo have pulled in many of the same offers over the last two weeks as McCarthy added offers from Central Michigan, Illinois, Miami (OH), Michigan Minnesota Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, and Toledo.
“It was crazy,” McCarthy said of his offer spree. “It gets to the craziest point of where you’re not surprised with getting an offer. It’s unreal to say because it’s such a blessing no matter what caliber. If they are in the MAC, D2 or D1, it’s just such a blessing.”
Notre Dame didn’t extend an offer on Saturday, but McCarthy is more than fine with where he stands with the Irish.
“There will be a decision made coming after the playoff games,” stated McCarthy. “It’s going to be good. I’m totally alright with it.”
McCarthy and Rees have started to develop a close relationship over the past few months. Both are from the area, but Rees appreciates the competitive attitude of from McCarthy.
“He loves I have the small white kid chip on my shoulder,” explained McCarthy. “I see the other quarterbacks in the class, and I have a huge respect for all of them, but I always want to be on top. I love competing against them. He loves I have a competitive attitude against the rest of the kids in my class.”
Things will slow down for McCarthy as the holiday season rolls around as Notre Dame will likely be his last visit for a while.
“It might change over break and towards January, but I don’t have anything set up right now,” said McCarthy.
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