Though he has spent countless hours watching film and studying the playbook so he can think the position at a high level, after missing all of last season while he recovered from a torn meniscus, McCarthy has also worked tirelessly on his mechanics so he can actually play the position at a high level.

The young quarterback has had his ups and downs in training camp, but coach Kevin O'Connell seems more excited than concerned.

The Minnesota Vikings are in the middle of training camp at TCO Performance Center in Eagan, and there might not be a greater spotlight than the one on J.J. McCarthy.