Washington spring practice, Day 13: How Michael Penix Jr. can be even better in 2023
Plus other observations, thoughts and notes as the Huskies near the end of spring.
SEATTLE — The defender bore down on Michael Penix Jr., confronting him in the backfield with a clean rush off the edge. Penix retreated to his left and lofted a pass toward tight end Quentin Moore near the goal line.
Junior defensive back Mishael Powell offered tight coverage — and perhaps even pass interference — but Moore made a nice play to secure the catch, anyway, for what resulted in about a 25-yard touchdown during Washington’s spring practice Wednesday at the Dempsey Indoor.
The Huskies’ defense got its shots in, too — more on that momentarily — but few practices proceed anymore without Penix making some kind of play that reminds why he’ll begin the 2023 season on every Heisman Trophy watch list.
Two national media outlets visited UW practice in the last week. Penix (and other teammates) shared national championship aspirations. Last week, when I asked Penix about his interest in winning the Heisman, he replied with similar sentiment: “I think about winning the national championship, and whatever comes with that comes with it.”
What type of encore will Penix put forth, considering he led the nation in passing yards per game last season and is surrounded by returning offensive talent? More to the point: what are the ways in which he can improve after throwing for 4,641 yards and 31 touchdowns with eight interceptions while guiding the Huskies to an 11-2 finish and one of the more remarkable one-year offensive turnarounds in memory?
My guess was that offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb could think of at least a couple.