‘Human Sponge’ J.J. McCarthy Focus of Scoggins’ Latest Column 

Picture a politician at a parade, high-fiving, fist bumping and conversing.

Chip Scoggins of the Star Tribune on Thursday analogized that scene to how Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy conducts himself – asking questions, listening and engaging with coaches and teammates.

In this article, which acts as an examination of McCarthy’s general curiosity and easily recognizable talent, Scoggins quipped that the “A” in OTA (Organized Team Activity) might as well stand for “absorption,” since the 22-year-old passer has “become a human sponge” across offseason practices.

Of course, that’s probably expected of a person preparing to bear significant responsibility, which hardly contextualizes the weight of playing quarterback in the NFL. No less, it’s a notable observation because McCarthy is coming off a season lost to injury and is readying to start for a team coming off 14 wins.

Plainly, there’s great expectations on the 2024 10th overall pick to not undermine an impressive roster. McCarthy, however, has looked immune to that pressure. Better yet, he looks to have fully embraced it.

Scoggins penned the following:

McCarthy’s inquisitive nature and arm strength are two traits that stood out and were most encouraging to me while observing two mandatory minicamp practices this week.

He is 22 years old and has yet to take a regular-season snap. Nobody can provide a bet-the-mortgage guarantee for what his career trajectory will look like. The process he’s following, though, in becoming an NFL starter is why the organization feels so optimistic about placing its present and future in his hands.

McCarthy is a conversationalist, but in a good way, an endearing way. He connects with teammates with an authenticity that has already earned respect inside the locker room. Employees say he includes everyone inside the team headquarters in his orbit.

We can attest to those comments.

McCarthy is someone who strolls through the Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center building with his head up and eyes forward so that he can say hello to whomever he encounters. He takes an interest in non-football, more personal conversations, and is a willing participant in all things asked of a franchise quarterback. To Scoggins’ point, McCarthy’s process is the best sign he’s developing in the right direction.

In support of his study of the earliest drafted quarterback in franchise history,…