There’s still a noticeable zip to the ball when quarterback J.J. McCarthy really lets it rip.

That much was clear on Tuesday morning at TCO Performance Center as McCarthy uncorked a pass to receiver Jordan Addison near the sideline. There was some juice to it. You could almost hear it spinning through the air as it traveled from Point A to Point B.

That marked the first time McCarthy has thrown a ball publicly since last summer when he dazzled during an exhibition game against the Las Vegas Raiders. The hype generated from that impressive performance at U.S. Bank Stadium was overshadowed by the fact that McCarthy had unknowingly suffered a torn meniscus that forced him to miss the entire 2024 season.

How’s he feeling now that he has been cleared to be back on the field with his teammates?

“Overall, I feel 110 percent because I feel better than when I got hurt,” McCarthy said. “Just really excited to be out here with the guys again.”

Never mind that the Vikings likely won’t name McCarthy the starter anytime soon; he’s not running from the expectations that come with being the future face of the franchise. Asked if he thinks he’s ready to start, the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL draft replied, “I know I’m ready to start.”

His confidence was unmistakable Tuesday as he talked about the pressure that comes with the position. This isn’t somebody that appears to be afraid of stepping into the spotlight. Not when he has succeeded at every step of his career.

“Personally, I think, the more pressure, the better for me,” McCarthy said. “That’s something I’ve always thrived off of.”

Whether it was starring at IMG Academy in high school or leading Michigan to a national championship in college, McCarthy has always proven that he’s capable of rising to the occasion on the biggest stage.

“I feel like that’s where I feel most comfortable, when the lights are the brightest,” he said.

It hasn’t been an easy road to this point for McCarthy while navigating the trials and tribulations that come with a lengthy recovery process. Though he talked at length about how grateful he was for the opportunity to learn the ropes from afar, McCarthy said it was hard for him not actually being able to put the pads on and compete.

The limited activity also contributed to him losing nearly 30 pounds, which became a talking point late last season when he was shown on the sideline during the television broadcasts of some games.

“I’m somebody that needs to work out in order to put on weight,” McCarthy said. “I’m back up to 215 pounds, exactly where I want to be. It’s amazing how fast it kind of peaks and valleys.”

Now that he’s back to full strength, McCarthy is focused on continuing to develop ahead of organized team activities and mandatory minicamp next month.

“The energy he brings to the building is infectious,” right tackle Brian O’Neill said. “You can tell he wants it really bad.”

That mentality has helped McCarthy endear himself to his teammates as he grows into a leadership role.

“We’re all behind him,” edge rusher Jonathan Greenard said. “We’re all standing ten toes with J.J.”

The good news for McCarthy is he won’t have the weight of the world on his shoulders; he’ll have head coach Kevin O’Connell — a former NFL quarterback — helping him navigate everything, as well as teammates on both sides of the ball that are going to make it easier on him.

“We don’t need him to come in and be the Patrick Mahomes of the team,” safety Josh Metellus said. “We have a veteran team for a reason, to welcome in a guy like that, so he can just focus on his day-to-day process.”

As for the competition that also includes presumed backup quarterback Sam Howell, reserve quarterback Brett Rypien and undrafted free agent Max Brosmer, McCarthy said he knows everything will work out for him as long as he continues to strive to be the best version of himself every time he steps on the field.

“Just be me,” McCarthy said. “Just be consistent, be dependable, be reliable, be a true pro, and the rest will take care of itself.”