University of Michigan junior quarterback J.J. McCarthy and sophomore wide receiver Tyler Morris connected many times during their two football seasons together at Nazareth Academy. And when the Wolverines won the national championship by beating Washington 34-13, Jan. 8, Nazareth coach Tim Racki was there to offer congratulations after a whirlwind trip to Houston to attend the game.
“With [J.J. and I] knowing each other since we were 14, 15, it’s just amazing to see that we both made it to this point and that we were able to accomplish something like that,” Morris said. “I had heard a little bit that [Racki] might be able to make it or something like that, but as far as I knew I hadn’t heard anything that he was coming for sure.”
Racki’s journey was just about as crazy as the Michigan march to its first national title since 1997 with a perfect 15-0 season. The day before, Racki was at Lambeau Field to see the Chicago Bears play the Green Bay Packers in the NFL regular-season finale. McCarthy’s father texted Racki about attending the national final.
“He had a ticket. I just had to get there,” Racki said.
He returned to the area at 12:30 a.m. Monday and took a 7 a.m. flight to Houston.
For Racki, a Michigan native and lifelong Wolverines fan, having two former players in the lineup was an added treat. Racki sat in the first section near the Michigan parents and the end zone where the Wolverines entered the field.
“It was incredible. It was just a dream. I was soaking in every moment,” Racki said. “I took some pictures. I was just trying to stay in the moment and focused and grateful for everything that was happening and felt so blessed.
“J.J. and Tyler not only are great players but great kids and their parents get credit for that. I just feel very blessed.”
McCarthy passed for 2,991 yards and 22 touchdowns this season with just four interceptions. He also rushed for 202 yards and three TDs.
Morris was seventh among receivers with 13 catches for 197 yards and one TD. His first collegiate touchdown was a biggie, helping Michigan in its epic 27-20 overtime victory over Alabama in the national semifinals, Jan. 1, at the Rose Bowl.
The 38-yard connection in the second quarter gave Michigan its first lead at 13-7. Racki watched that one locally with his wife and friends.
“I texted them both,” Racki said. “I saw that a few times [at Nazareth]. J.J. texted me after they got done celebrating. He said, ‘I bet coach is crying right now.’ [I said’ ‘I am – tears of joy.’”
McCarthy and Morris played together for two seasons at Nazareth. In 2018, McCarthy passed for 201 yards and a TD in helping Nazareth defeat St. Charles North, 31-10, for the Class 7A state title. The 2019 team also reached the finals, losing to Mt. Carmel 37-13 for the 7A title.
With no 2020 state playoffs or fall season because of COVID, McCarthy transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., and helped that team finish 8-0 with a No. 1 national ranking. Morris transferred to Plainfield East to graduate and enroll early at Michigan.
After the championship victory, Racki met with Morris and his family for about 20 minutes at the hotel. Racki briefly saw McCarthy after the game from the field.
“It was a mob scene and then he had to do 100 interviews. I only got to see him for 10 minutes. That’s how busy he was,” Racki said.
Morris was excited that the Nazareth connection was a part of his reflections on the season.
“It’s just hard to realize that everything that went into the season, all of the hard work, just the feeling of it being over and understanding we really accomplished everything we worked for,” Morris said.
“This is definitely the most memorable thing I’ve been able to do. There’s not much I think that can beat winning a national championship.”
