Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh had a feeling who J.J. McCarthy was going to get drafted by on Thursday night.
He was asked about the Minnesota Vikings drafting him with the 10th overall pick and confirmed that McCarthy had his “heart set” on going.
“That’s where he wanted to go,” Harbaugh said. “That’s where he had his heart set, and I’m just so happy for him. Love him like a son, and I was praying and pulling for it to work out the way he wanted it to work out. The stars aligned and congratulations to Minnesota, they got themselves a great player.”
McCarthy figures to be the next starting quarterback for the Vikings after they watched Kirk Cousins sign a four-year $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons during free agency.
If McCarthy isn’t ready for Week 1, the Vikings could start Sam Darnold at quarterback.
Harbaugh coached McCarthy for three seasons while he was the head coach at Michigan. McCarthy developed quite a bit during that time and helped lead Michigan to a national title this past season, finishing with 2,991 passing yards and 22 touchdowns.
McCarthy will now get to throw to Justin Jefferson and Co. on a weekly basis starting in September.