Michael Penix Jr.’s most recent masterclass of a performance was the catalyst for Washington’s win over Texas in the Sugar Bowl. It also could help him with the next chapter of his football career.
The Washington star is viewed as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft. But prior to Monday’s game, the consensus among draft evaluators seemed to be that Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels were all better quarterback prospects than Penix, who doesn’t have any college eligibility left after the national title game.
Penix certainly made a strong case, though, to join that group in the semifinal win, throwing for 430 yards and two touchdowns, and rushing for 31 yards as part of a 37-31 victory.
While Penix’s performance on Monday might have been a revelation for some, FOX Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt has been high on the quarterback’s draft prospects throughout the season.
“Michael Penix is an elite quarterback,” Klatt said on “The Herd.” “I think he should be drafted in the top five, no doubt. The knee injuries will scare people off, and he might fall, but I don’t think he gets past 10. What you see is directly comparable to what he needs to do at the National Football League level.”
When should Penix Jr. be drafted?
Klatt described Penix’s game as “calm” as he shared what the lefty does differently compared to his counterparts.
“Even when he’s not ready to throw, he manipulates the pocket with ease to get himself in position to make throws,” Klatt said. “There is a huge difference between guys who throw the football well and guys who pass the football well. Michael Penix is a passer. The difference is, he understands leverage. Understanding leverage, you take a guy that’s accurate with the football and when you watch all of these plays, the ball is always away from the defense.
“He’s always allowing his player an opportunity to make a play. He’s always putting the odds in the wide receiver’s favor. It’s not a…
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Publish date : 2024-01-03 22:11:30
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