If you go and watch St. Michael’s football games, there is one thing that you will see and that is Johnny McCarty consistently making spectacular grabs.
“Hands is the most important thing a wide receiver should have. You have to catch the ball before you can do anything else.”
St. Michael 2026 WR Johnny McCarty
Ever since his freshman year, McCarty has played a key role in the Warriors’ passing attack. After finishing with 15 catches for 200 yards and three touchdowns his sophomore campaign, the Warriors’ four year starting wide receiver had a breakout junior campaign in which he made 1st Team All-District, All-Metro, and was an All-State Honorable Mention with 50 receptions for 764 yards and eight touchdowns. Despite having a very impressive junior season, this 6’1, 190 pound receiver is not satisfied and wants to better not only his stats, but being an all-around player.
“This senior season, I want to strive as a leader at St. Michael’s. I want to change the culture that there’s been for years and actually building a strong fan base and an accomplished team. I want to aim for breaking 1,000 receiving yards by the end of the year with around 20 touchdowns. Now, even if I didn’t finish with great stats, I want to make a playoff run. I want to go to the Super dome and show everybody that we’re not just some nobodies.”
St. Michael 2026 WR Johnny McCarty
While McCarty is continuing to improve on his leadership skills, he feels that those attributes are what makes him standout as a player.
“My biggest strengths are my leadership on and off the field. I always strive to lead in every environment that I can. I can struggle at times too, but that doesn’t stop me for continuing to try. I never give up especially on the field.”
St. Michael 2026 WR Johnny McCarty
Even off the field, the Warriors’ vocal leader does not shy from putting more work in.
“I have been working on my speed and strength this offseason a lot. I started off before spring ball working out with Coach Walt Williams in Addis, Louisiana. I have never worked harder when working over there and am filled with great spirit everyday. Going into the summer, I focused on speed and agility while aiming to get my 40 yard dash up. I worked with Coach Mark Chilli and Coach Jordan Werner at Traction.”
St. Michael 2026 WR Johnny McCarty
That work ethic has really shown up during the offseason as he was a standout for K.R.E.A.M. Elite during the Gridiron Football 7v7 Tournament catching a game winning touchdown during bracket play and also earning Camp Top Performer at our Gridiron Football Elite Camp held at Lamar Dixon Expo Center in May.
“I was surprised by the amount of kids that showed up at the Gridiron Camp! It was honestly a blast and if I had a chance to go again, I definitely would. The environment was different than most camps similar to it, but it was a great environment.”
St. Michael 2026 WR Johnny McCarty
His top performance at the camp also earned McCarty something that he has been waiting on since his freshman year, which is an official offer to play in the 2025 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game at the end of the year at Louisiana Christian University in Pineville, Louisiana.
“It means a lot to be honest. I’ve been really looking forward to this since my freshman year when a few seniors at the time got invited to it. It caught my eye and has been something that I’ve watched grow and grow for me too.”
St. Michael 2026 WR Johnny McCarty
McCarty’s competitiveness, sure hands, route running, and athleticism has stood out not only to Gridiron Football, but during the recruiting process as well with a couple of schools now starting to show interest.
“The recruiting process has been off and on inconsistently, but a school that is always talking to me and checking up on me weekly is Ave Maria University. The coaches there are awesome and I’m really starting to build relationships with them. I’ve also gotten other interests from Huntingdon College, St. Olaf, and Puget Sound University to name a few.”
St. Michael 2026 WR Johnny McCarty
Before focusing on college, McCarty is focused on his senior season, which will be played at the school’s new stadium. McCarty is excited to be a part of the very first team that will play at Warrior Stadium this fall.
“I’m absolutely pumped to be playing in this stadium. Not only is it a new stadium, but I get to be blessed with the opportunity to play on something that many people playing before me have dreamed about having at St. Michael’s. It’s an awesome opportunity and I won’t be shy about it.”
St. Michael 2026 WR Johnny McCarty
Not only is McCarty outgoing as a leader of the football team, but he is very active outside the sport.
“I used to play baseball growing up alongside football, but I recently dropped the sport to focus more on my offseason getting better for football. I do play golf for St. Michael and I really enjoy it. It helps me stay calm and collected and have a good time even when I’m not playing my best. Over the summer, I was either playing football or golfing, every other day almost.”
St. Michael 2026 WR Johnny McCarty
Even more important for McCarthy than sports is his faith and being able to practice it within his school or community.
“My principal Mr. Cavalier. He’s really pushed me into excelling my faith with Christ and even asking me to join a class at school called Leadership and Faith as well as a Mass Man at school masses. Coach Leger trusted me as a crazy freshman and helped build me each year excelling on and off the field. My parents helped get me where I am today. Without all the help for lessons, rides to middle school games, and the constant love for them, then I would never be where I am today.”
St. Michael 2026 WR Johnny McCarty
A lot of players try to compare their game to players of their position and while McCarty does compare his game to George Pickens because of his big frame and ability to make contested catches like him, he also picked a couple of quarterbacks because of their faith and leadership skills.
“I try to model my game after a player like a Tim Tebow in college or a Joe Burrow. Both were extreme leaders for their teams and both are faithful to the Lord.”
St. Michael 2026 WR Johnny McCarty
Teaching the game of football while instilling those Christian values is something the he wants to pass down when his playing days are over.
“I want to coach. I want to be able to lead a team and be in control. I have a passionate love for the game and I believe that’s what I’ll do one day.”
St. Michael 2026 WR Johnny McCarty
In the meantime, Johnny McCarty is going to stick to catching touchdowns and making plays where he believes he can continue doing that at the next level.
“I’m a leader, I’m passionate, and I stand out on and off the field. I’m not perfect for everyone’s program, but I promise you’ll regret not taking a player with the attributes that I have.”
St. Michael 2026 WR Johnny McCarty
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