The Day After: The Heisman is Michael Penix Jr.'s to lose
The Day After: The Heisman is Michael Penix Jr.'s to lose
Plus, other thoughts and observations from Washington's all-timer against Oregon.
SEATTLE — Every now and then, usually during a radio interview, someone asks for my general assessment of Michael Penix Jr. — not his play, necessarily, but his personality, and the way he carries himself. The first word that always comes to mind is professional. Penix is a pro in every sense of the word: his age and experience, his even-keel disposition, his work ethic and leadership, his singular focus on winning football games, his presumably bountiful NIL compensation.
Washington’s star quarterback celebrates touchdown passes and praises his teammates. After subpar performances, his words might reflect mild irritation. Otherwise, Penix’s outward demeanor tends to remain neutral.
I’ve seen him turn emotional exactly twice — once in the wake of tremendous disappointment, and again Saturday as joy washed over him on the biggest day of his football career.
The biggest day so far, anyway.