By Bobby Narang
Nazareth Academy High School quarterback J.J. McCarthy made a big splash Monday.
After leading the Roadrunners to a Class 7A State championship and two State second-place finish in his first three seasons, McCarthy changed course and announced Monday he was transferring to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., for his senior season.
The University of Michigan recruit revealed his decision on his Twitter account. McCarthy, a consensus top-level, five-star recruit, cited the, “uncertainty of Fall sports” in Illinois as the main factor in his decision.
“I want to thank everyone at Nazareth Academy (in LaGrange Park) for the past three years,” McCarthy posted on Twitter. “In my three years at Nazareth, I’ve been to three State championships. Those State championships will never match the friendships and relationships I’ve made with my teammates, coaches, teachers, and classmates over those three years. NAZ will always be my family.”
McCarthy, the No. 15 overall and No. 2 pro-style quarterback according to the 247Sports Composite national rankings for the Class of 2021, completed 189 of 315 passes for 2,820 yards with 34 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 14 games last season.
Nazareth head coach Tim Racki, who has won seven State championships, said he was surprised by McCarthy’s decision, but he understood his reasoning.
“It’s a decision that I’m sad (about), not just because he’s a great player, but I’m close with the family, but I understand it,” Racki said. “He loves Nazareth, and Nazareth loves the McCarthys. We wish him the best. He will always be a Roadrunner. We will be rooting for him at Michigan and beyond.
“I talked to him personally and his father this morning. It was very emotional. It’s always hard to let go with seniors, it’s no different with J.J.. You have players that are good, but this kid in how he was raised, he gets it. He’s focused and motivated and grounded and a tremendous leader. I’m going to miss all the intangibles that you don’t see on the highlight film. I’m more sad that I’m not going to be with him for another season and year with him and his family.”
Nazareth junior wide receiver Landon Morris, a Syracuse University recruit, said he will miss catching passes from McCarthy, and his friendship.
“J.J. is a great quarterback and an even better teammate,” Morris said. “We spent hours together during the season. J.J. is definitely family to me. I wish him good luck throughout the rest of his high school career. I’ll definitely miss him and his family.”