Whittingham’s praise of Tommy Carr mirrors Jim Harbaugh on J.J. McCarthy

TL;DR

Freshman quarterback Tommy Carr impressed during Michigan's spring game, showcasing poise and athleticism. Coach Kyle Whittingham praised Carr's skills, drawing parallels to Jim Harbaugh's past comments on J.J. McCarthy.

Key points

Tommy Carr had an impressive spring game performance.
Kyle Whittingham praised Carr's skills and work ethic.
Whittingham's comments are similar to those made about J.J. McCarthy.
Carr's performance could challenge Bryce Underwood for the starting role.

Mentioned in this story

Kyle Whittingham

Michigan WolverinesTommy CarrJ.J. McCarthyBryce Underwood

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - APRIL 18: Tommy Carr #14 of runs the ball for the Blue Team during the first half of the Michigan Wolverines' spring football game at Michigan Stadium on April 18, 2026 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Jaime Crawford/Getty Images for ONIT) | Getty Images for ONIT True freshman Michigan quarterback Tommy Carr had one of the best spring games from a quarterback in recent memory, and certainly since I’ve been covering the program (2016). Carr showed poise, athleticism as a runner, good footwork, solid mechanics, and consistently accurate throws. In all, Carr was 21-for-30 passing for 143 passing yards with 59 rushing yards. Sophomore starting quarterback Bryce Underwood was 3-of-9 for 22 yards in the spring game. And while calling things between Underwood and Carr would be a stretch, there’s no denying that Carr has what it takes to push Underwood hard. If iron sharpens iron, Carr and Underwood are going to bring the best out in each other. ***Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham is in his first year on the job, and he has a fresh perspective about every player on Michigan’s roster, including Carr and Underwood. Whittingham spoke glowingly of Carr after the spring game, and his comments were eerily reminiscent of how Jim Harbaugh would talk about McCarthy during his freshman campaign. Here’s a look.***

Whittingham on Carr

– “Tommy has really made strides and just really has a great pocket presence and escapability. He can extend plays, keeps his eyes downfield. All the things that you look for in a big-time quarterback, I believe Tommy possesses.“ – “He’s got that it factor for a quarterback. That confidence, that field general mentality. The way he carries himself. He’s a football junkie. I’m in the facility at 10 at night and I walk by the quarterback room and there’s Tommy Carr watching film all by himself in the film room. He is completely just immersed in his development as far as trying to get better and doing everything he can to perfect his craft. And that’s really what you want to see in a quarterback. And he’s a leader by nature and by virtue of the position.”

Q&A

What did Kyle Whittingham say about Tommy Carr's performance?

Kyle Whittingham praised Tommy Carr for his pocket presence, escapability, and dedication to improving as a quarterback.

How did Tommy Carr perform in the spring game for Michigan?

Tommy Carr completed 21 of 30 passes for 143 yards and added 59 rushing yards during the spring game.

What similarities exist between Tommy Carr and J.J. McCarthy according to Whittingham?

Whittingham's praise for Carr mirrors Jim Harbaugh's earlier comments about McCarthy, highlighting their 'it factor' and leadership qualities.

What impact could Tommy Carr have on Bryce Underwood's performance?

Tommy Carr's strong performance may push Bryce Underwood to improve, as both quarterbacks compete for the starting position.