Illinois Football: Illini offer state title winner JJ McCarthy

The Illinois football team is looking to build for the future at the quarterback position.

On Thursday, JJ McCarthy announced on Twitter that he had received a scholarship offer from the University of Illinois. Getting a playmaker like McCarthy would be a big accomplishment for the Orange and Blue because of what he brings to the game.

McCarthy is a 6-foot-2, 180-pound quarterback from Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park, Illinois. He isn’t rated or ranked by 247Sports yet, but he does have a lot of teams after him, which means he is going to be ranked fairly high.

247Sports has McCarthy at 100-percent to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. But, he already has nine total offers, so I think his recruitment is pretty open right now. It will be interesting to see who else can get in on his recruitment. Since McCarthy is from the state of Illinois, I would assume the Illini should be able to have some power here.

I give my opinion on a lot of these talented recruits, and I mean everything I say. The first time I watched this kid’s video, I said wow. McCarthy has the ability to be a really special at the next level. When I say special, I don’t just mean he can be a player who leads a team to a bowl game. I am saying this kid can be an All-American who can win a national title. That is how good I think he can be.

McCarthy’s stats alone are amazing. He threw for 39 touchdowns and only four interceptions as a sophomore. He helped lead his team to the Illinois High School 7A State Title this season as well. His ability to move around in the pocket and get out of trouble is incredible. He can throw the ball into tight windows. He can throw the ball, accurately, on the run. He has everything you want in a great quarterback.

It was a must for the Illini to offer McCarthy a scholarship. He is going to be one of the best in the nation, if not the best. Please, please let Illinois get in on his recruit and land him. This would be an insane get for the program.