Sherrone Moore faced many important decisions in his first season coaching Michigan, leading the team after Jim Harbaugh left for the Los Angeles Chargers.
Who he picks as the starting quarterback will be closely watched this season. Moore has several options, including Alex Orji, known for his speed, and the experienced Jack Tuttle. Despite being a new coach, Moore cleverly avoided answering whether the job might be shared.
“We’ll wait and see,” he said, smiling. Fans will see Moore’s quarterback choices for the first time when Michigan finishes spring practice on Saturday at Michigan Stadium.
J.J. McCarthy, who left college early for the NFL draft, guided Michigan to its first national title since 1997 and a third consecutive Big Ten championship. Replacing him won’t be easy.
Orji, Tuttle, and Jayden Denegal all played in six games last season, while Davis Warren saw action in three games as McCarthy’s backup, although sparingly.
Orji, who stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 236 pounds, was occasionally used as a rushing threat last season. He had two carries for 15 yards in the national championship game and contributed a crucial 20-yard run against rival Ohio State. In total, he carried the ball 15 times for 86 yards and scored once.
“He’s an exceptional athlete,” Moore commented. “His running ability sets him apart from others we’ve seen before, but he’s also a capable thrower. He’s been throwing quite well.”
Tuttle, who will be 25 this month, is the most experienced in the group. He’s entering his sixth year of college football, spending four seasons at Indiana before coming to Michigan last year.
“They call him ‘Uncle Jack,'” Moore remarked. “He’s played a lot of football. He has a strong arm and can run well, making him a dual threat, but he’s also smart in the pocket.”
Although Orji didn’t attempt a pass last season, Tuttle completed 15 out of 17 passes for 130 yards and a touchdown. Standing at 6-foot-5, Denegal completed 4 out of 5 passes for 50 yards and a touchdown. “He’s probably more of a pocket passer,” Moore added.
