Three teams stand out most to QB Cade McNamara

HAYWARD, Calif. - Three schools have emerged as frontrunners for four-star quarterback Cade McNamara - Michigan, USC and Alabama.

The Reno (Nev.) Damonte Ranch who had been committed to Notre Dame said he would like to take his official visits during the spring and have his decision done by the start of his senior season.

The Wolverines are definitely a player.

“Over the course of the last two months since they offered me, it’s been a really good process,” McNamara said last weekend at the Rivals 3 Stripe Camp presented by adidas. “I’ve developed a really good relationship with coach (Jim) Harbaugh and I’m still receiving calls every week and just staying in touch right now.

“I loved it when I took my visit they put me through a little bit of a quarterback workout when it came to the weight room and he did it with me. I love the competitive spirit of him and he’s definitely a great guy. ... Right now, I have a really good relationship with coach Harbaugh, probably my strongest right now of all the schools I’m looking at.”

The four-star quarterback has also built a good bond with the USC coaches. He’s already visited with the Trojans and he doesn’t seem to be concerned at all that five-star QB JT Daniels reclassified to the 2018 class to immediately compete for the starting job.

“USC I visited there as well,” McNamara said. “I get mail just about every day from USC. They’re pushing really hard for me and I’ve developed a really good relationship with coach (Bryan) Ellis, coach Tee Martin and coach (Clay) Helton as well.

“(Daniels’ signing with USC is) not going to affect my decision. I actually work out with JT so I have a good feel for him as a player.”

As for the Alabama quarterback situation, McNamara said he feels his game closely mirrors Tua Tagovailoa’s and that he’ll watch how that plays out with Jalen Hurts and Tagovailoa through this offseason.