Michael Penix Jr. Impresses at University of Washington Pro Day
During the University of Washington pro day, Michael Penix Jr. showcased his exceptional arm talent and athleticism, leaving a strong impression on NFL scouts in attendance. While his final throw, a 75-yard deep ball completion, demonstrated his prowess as a quarterback, it was his impressive sub-4.6-second 40-yard dash that truly turned heads at the event.
Scouts clocked Penix’s 40-yard dash time between 4.56 to 4.59 seconds, dispelling any doubts about his speed and agility. The runner-up for the previous season’s Heisman Trophy, Penix expressed confidence in his performance, stating, “I’m a 4.4 guy, in my opinion. Some people had 4.46, some had 4.5, but that’s unofficial, so I’m good. I just showed I can run, so I feel good.”
Penix’s athleticism has been a subject of conversation, especially considering his limited rushing yards in recent seasons due to injuries. However, his vertical jump of 36.5 inches and a broad jump of 10 feet, 5 inches surpassed those of any other quarterback at the combine, further solidifying his status as a top prospect in the upcoming draft.
Proving Doubters Wrong
Despite facing skepticism regarding his athletic abilities, Penix remains unfazed, emphasizing his commitment to proving himself on the field. With 67 touchdown passes over the past two seasons, he has established himself as a formidable force in college football, leading the Huskies to the national championship game in the previous season.
Penix’s determination to excel was evident during the pro day as he delivered accurate passes, punctuated by his signature celebratory gesture of pulling an arrow from a quiver before launching it into the sky. While he acknowledged a few missed throws during the session, he remained satisfied with his overall performance.
Upcoming Pre-Draft Visits
Following his impressive showing at the pro day, Penix has attracted interest from several NFL teams, with pre-draft visits already scheduled. Notable meetings with the New York Giants, Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos, and Pittsburgh Steelers are set to take place in the coming weeks, indicating a high level of anticipation surrounding his potential as a professional quarterback.
In addition to Penix, wide receiver Rome Odunze, another prominent prospect, opted not to participate in the workout, choosing to rely on his combine results. With visits planned with various teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, and Chicago Bears, Odunze’s performance and potential impact in the upcoming draft have also garnered significant attention.
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