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Rob Rang
NFL Draft Analyst
Football is the ultimate team sport, with every member of the offense, defense and special teams contributing to the outcome of each contest. But there is no denying the supreme importance of the quarterback position. And in the rare moment you have two potential NFL first-rounders squaring off for a national championship — as we do on Monday in Houston (7:30 p.m., ESPN) — the event takes on the feel of a heavyweight boxing championship match.
So, with the help of film and an eye toward the NFL, let’s break down the Tale of the Tape between Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. and Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, who together personify the idea that differing styles make for a great fight.
The two quarterbacks were both born in Florida, share the same jersey number (No. 9) and have led their respective teams to 14-0 seasons. Their 2023 campaigns included clutch performances to defeat bitter rivals and sparkling efforts in last weekend’s playoff victories.
But that is where the similarities seemingly end.
BACKGROUND
In part due to his wiry frame and the fact that he is left-handed, Penix was overlooked by many recruiters despite starring at the prep level for Tampa Bay Tech. Graded a three-star recruit who some felt projected best at safety, Penix initially agreed to play at Tennesssee as a quarterback, but when the Volunteers moved on from Butch Jones in favor of Jeremy Pruitt, Penix switched allegiances, ultimately choosing Indiana. Penix played in 20 games over four injury-plagued seasons for the Hoosiers, going 12-5 as a starter before transferring two years ago to Washington, where he rejoined his former position coach and offensive coordinator at Indiana, Kalen DeBoer.
Penix flashed under DeBoer’s play-calling at Indiana, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2020 and leading the conference in multiple passing categories in 2021 (including yards and touchdowns). Each of his four seasons…
Source link : https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/michael-penix-jr-vs-j-j-mccarthy-nfl-draft-evaluations
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Publish date : 2024-01-05 16:36:17
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