J.J. McCarthy has long loved football.
It's one reason the Michigan football quarterback has drawn a smiley face on his hand before every practice and game he's played since October of his sophomore year in high school; a constant reminder to enjoy the process.
For all the winning McCarthy has done in that time — which includes a high school national championship and two Big Ten championships in as many collegiate seasons — never has he gone into a new campaign where he felt quite like this.
"It's been the most fun in my entire life playing football right now," McCarthy said Monday afternoon in Schembechler Hall.