Alex Orji high school stats: A look at the Michigan QB's early career
As Michigan struggled in its week two loss, interest piqued around backup QB Alex Orji. A dual-threat star, Michigan trusts Orji to handle run-based offense, but he's only thrown three passes as a Wolverine. Here's a look at Orji's past football glory, starting with his outstanding high school career.
Alex Orji high school stats
During his time at Sachse High School in Texas, Orji showed the dual-threat skills that made him a highly regarded recruit. During his junior season in 2020, Orji passed for 1,647 yards and 11 touchdowns. He added 980 yards and 16 ground touchdowns. Orji gained around eight yards per carry while completing 51 percent of his passes.
Orji's senior year brought more of the same. He threw for 2,056 yards and 28 touchdowns. He completed 51 percent of his passes. But Orji rushed for 1,187 yards and 23 touchdowns, picking up about seven yards per carry.
Before that, Orji played briefly as a sophomore at Bishop Dunne High in Texas. He passed for 116 yards, but rushed for 299 yards and four touchdowns. Before that, Orji saw time as a freshman receiver at Rockwall High. He caught six passes for 158 yards and a touchdown.
Orji's recruitment
Orji was a three-star recruit, according to 247sports, which ranked him as the nation's 50th-best quarterback prospect. His brothers Alston and Anfernee played for Vanderbilt. Orji gained offers from various schools, including Nebraska, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Vanderbilt.
Orji committed to Virginia Tech in April 2021. However, in December of that year, he de-committed from the Hokies and immediately committed to Michigan. Less than a month later, he enrolled early at Michigan.
Alex Orji's time at Michigan
Orji played in three games in 2022, rushing six times for 37 yards and a pair of scores. He also completed his only pass attempt for a gain of five yards. In 2023, he saw more action while playing in six games. Orji rushed 15 times for 86 yards and another touchdown. Orji even saw a few snaps in each of Michigan's Playoff victories.
This season, Orji completed a pass for a three-yard touchdown in the opener against Fresno State while also rushing five times for 32 yards. Against Texas in week two, Orji had two rushes for -1 yards.
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