Kalen DeBoer describes the most underappreciated part of Michael Penix Jr.

As the quarterback of the Washington Huskies this season, Heisman Trophy finalist Michael Penix Jr. has impressed college football fans everywhere. But to his head coach, the most impressive part of Penix is who he is as a person, according to Kalen DeBoer.

DeBoer answered a question about an unknown or undervalued aspect of Penix Jr. during a press conference this week. His answer turned to his quarterback’s character as he sees someone who is always willing to share his time with others, especially in their community, to have an effect on others.

“In this area, around Husky nation? I think it’s recognized. I think everyone recognizes the personal piece to him. He’ll stop and sign every autograph there is if it’s at all possible. He will go out and do everything in the public that he can,” explained DeBoer. “There just comes a balance to where he just can’t do everything. But he just gives himself up because he realizes how impactful he can be.

“I think we understand that locally. I don’t know if everyone understands that across the country.”

In DeBoer’s opinion, that characteristic of Penix Jr. comes from his family and how they raised him back in Tampa.

“Giving back is something that, I think, was part of him before he even probably went to college,” said DeBoer. “It’s a tribute to his family, his parents, everything with his upbringing.”

Again, the national spotlight has fallen on Penix Jr. and his arm this season. He has become a finalist for the Heisman Trophy after throwing for a national-best of 4,218 yards on a 65.9% completion rate to go with 33 touchdowns and nine interceptions. That has helped the Huskies post an undefeated record, a win in the Pac-12 Championship for the first time in five years, and make the College Football Playoff for the second time ever.

Still, even after all that, it’s who Penix Jr. is off the field that DeBoer wants to highlight just as much. That’s certainly the case considering how well he has handled all that has come this way in his sixth collegiate season.

“He has just got this heart of gold,” said DeBoer. “He has been through so much. I think all of those experiences have really given him an appreciation for the moment he is in.

“It just really resonates with him right now that he has the opportunity to do this,” continued DeBoer. “It’s a credit to him for staying grounded through all of this. He has just handled it with grace the whole entire time.”