Huskies Coach Kalen DeBoer Has Faith in 'Relentless' Washington QB Michael Penix Jr.
Ahead of what should be a must-see showdown in New Orleans, Washington coach Kalen DeBoer took a moment to gush over his starting quarterback.
Where would the Huskies be without star passer Michael Penix Jr.? A College Football Playoff berth seems far-fetched. So does a conference title in the final year of the Pac-12.
Penix, who bet on himself two years ago and transferred to Seattle hoping to recreate that same spark with his former offensive coordinator at Indiana, was the focal point of Washington's undefeated season. His FBS-leading 4,218 passing yards paved the way past programs like USC, Washington State and Oregon to secure a spot in the Sugar Bowl.
He's two wins away from securing the program's first national title since 1991, and the Texas Longhorns know Penix is more than just an average Joe slinging passes.
So does DeBoer.
Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) lines up the offense for a snap against Texas during the Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022 in San Antonio
Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK
"He's a relentless worker," DeBoer said Wednesday. "He's really pushed hard to help himself be his best. And I think his leadership is probably one of the biggest areas where we've seen as a team him just really step out in front and not be afraid to put the team on his shoulders."
Penix, a potential early-round pick in April's draft, will have a chance to secure his spot in Huskies' history. His production over the previous two seasons already carries weight in the record books.
Since being named the starter, Penix has thrown for 8,859 yards and 64 touchdowns. His 65.5 completion percentage is the highest by a Huskies quarterback since Jake Browning in 2017.
While Penix isn't alone on offense, he's connecting with receivers Rome Odunze, Ja'Lynn Polk, Jalen McMillian and others. He sets the tone in the huddle and surveys the field before delivering a strike. More often than not, he's in sync with the pass-catcher, leading to a fresh set of downs or six points.
"As time gone on, he has really pushed himself to the new levels," said DeBoer. "The talent, the skill set has always about there. I think his instinctiveness, his football IQ, I knew this back four years ago that it was elite. But he's had guys now surround him that can make plays, can protect him."
The Longhorns have yet to face a talent at Penix's pedigree this season. Sure, quarterbacks like Dillion Gabriel and Will Howard deserve recognition, but neither passer marvels in the same structure as No. 9.
One play can change a game's outcome for the Huskies. It's happened countless times this past season with Penix commanding the huddle, including in Washington's Week 13 matchup against Washington State.
Texas knows it, too. At least it should following last season's Alamo Bowl showdown in San Antonio where Penix threw for 287 yards and two touchdown on the way to a 27-20 victory.
DeBoer credited Penix's maturation as a leader to Washington's growth from an 11-2 2022 season. There's familiarity with the offense, but also with the play concept. When needing a big play, the second-year coach knows his quarterback will come in clutch.
Said DeBoer: "It's those big moments when he's exhausted and will get up and get in front of the team, whether it's halftime, end of the game, and just give those talks that you can tell are deep, just the ones that -- where he's finding every bit of energy to make sure that he challenges the guys to dig deep and give everything they have."
