Michael Penix Jr. 2024 Dynasty Rookie Profile
Position: QB
School: Washington
Class: 6th Year Senior
Date of Birth: May 8, 2000
Height: 6-2 Weight: 212 lbs
Athletic Testing
40-Time: DNP
Speed Score: DNP
Vertical: DNP
20-yard Shuttle: DNP
Bio
Hailing from Tampa, Florida, Michael Penix graduated from Tampa Bay Tech in the class of 2018. Along with high school teammate Jonathan King, Penix was one of 28 Indiana signees of their 2018 class that ranked 50th nationally, according to 247Sports. At Tampa Bay Tech, Penix started two season where he threw for 61 touchdowns and six interceptions in 24 games. Penix rushed for 16 touchdowns across those two seaons. Penix also ran track and played baseball for Tampa Bay Tech.
Indiana
Penix’s Indiana career was plagued with injuries. He appeared in just 20 of IU’s 45 games from 2018 thru 2021. Penix put himself and Indiana on the map in the Covid-19 shortened, conference-only 2020 season where he led the Hoosiers to a 6-1 record and an Outback Bowl berth. Despite playing in just 20 games, Penix ranks 10th all-time in passing touchdowns (29), 11th in passing yards (4,197), and 5th in yards per attempt (7.3) for the Hoosiers.
Washington
Penix’s second opportunity in Washington reunited him with former Hoosiers’ offensive coordinator Kalen DeBoer. In only two years at Washington, Penix led the Huskies to a 25-3 record, including an appearance in the 2024 National Championship game. In just two years, Penix became 2nd in Washington history for in yards per attempt (8.6 YPA) and top-3 in passing yards (9,544), touchdowns (67). Penix was nominated for many postseason awards, including winning the 2023 Maxwell Award and finishing 2nd in Heisman voting.
College Stats
Michael Penix Jr. College Stats Courtesy of sports-reference
Positives
+ High velocity
+ High football IQ
+ Toughness, resiliency
+ Can attack all levels of the field
+ Good with a clean pocket (79th percentile, PFF)
+ Elite at avoiding sacks (96th percentile, PFF)
+ 81.8 collegiate QBR (81st percentile, PlayerProfiler.com)
Negatives
– College injury history (four season-ending injuries)
– 24-year old rookie
– Average in non-play action plays (48th percentile, PFF)
– Consistency under pressure
Highlight Reel
Archetype: Pocket Passer
NFL Comp: Geno Smith
Yards Per-Formance Grade: 73.8 (79th percentile)
Draft Projection: Day 2
Bottom Line:
Injuries and shortened seasons limited our exposure of Michael Penix Jr. until he left Indiana for Washington. Once he landed in Seattle, he became a prolific prospect under Kaleb DeBoer. In an air raid offense with talented receivers across the field, Penix proved to be the missing piece for Washington on their quest to be national champions. He is difficult for opposing defenses to bring down and does well with a clean pocket. Penix has the mental and physical tools to play at the next level.
Medical evaluations will be vital for Penix’s NFL outlook, as any red flag given his injury history could have him off team’s draft boards. Penix will have to improve his accuracy when moving out of the pocket to avoid pressure.
In a deeper quarterback class, age and an injury history could see Penix get his number called on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft. Penix could compete for a starting job if he lands in the right situation, but I believe Penix will find himself as a QB2 to start the 2024 season.
NEXT: Jaylen Wright 2024 Dynasty Rookie Profile
Resources: DLF, PlayerProfiler, PFN, PFF, TDN
RANKINGS | DYNASTY | ROOKIES
