ANN ARBOR, Mich. — All eyes were on the Big House in Ann Arbor on Saturday, and a North Texas native helped contribute to Michigan's ground game against rival Ohio State.
Leading 14-10 at the time, North Texas native Alex Orji subbed into the game for quarterback J.J. McCarthy and immediately made an impact. Orji broke off a 20-yard run up the right sideline to help Michigan score another field goal on the drive, extending their lead to a touchdown.
Who is Alex Orji?
Many of you may have been introduced to Orji in this moment because he hasn't had his number called on too much this season. The sophomore back up quarterback from Sachse High School in Sachse, Texas, was a three-star prospect who committed to the Wolverines as part of the 2022 class. In his freshman season, Orji appeared in three games, rushing for two touchdowns.
This year, in his sophomore season, Orji has played in three games once again, mainly as a rushing threat. He has ran the ball seven times for 38 yards and one rushing touchdown – which he scored against Michigan State.
On the FOX Big Noon broadcast, Gus Johnson said the Michigan coaching staff told them Orji was pound-for-pound one of the most athletic guys on the team.
In high school, as a senior, Orji went 127-for-247 passing for 2,064 yards (51.4%) with 28 touchdowns to eight interceptions and another 24 rushing touchdowns on 1,187 yards. As a junior, he completed 99 of 189 pass attempts for 1,403 yards (52.3%) with 10 passing touchdowns to seven interceptions; Orji also added 926 yards on the ground and another 15 rushing touchdowns.
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