Michael Penix Jr. reveals his health status entering pivotal week at Senior Bowl

Michael Penix Jr. only has one more opportunity to wow potential suitors with an in-game performance ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. On Feb. 3, the Washington quarterback will suit up for the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Earlier this week, Penix revealed how he feels ahead of the massive game.

“I feel great,” Penix said. “Today felt really good being able to be out here practicing with these guys. I’ve been training for the past week and a half, two weeks, with my guys back in Cali. I’ve been feeling good. After the game it was tough. I was a little banged up. But everything I’ve been through, I wouldn’t change it for anything.

“I was super excited for the experience. I wish we would’ve been able to come out with the win, but I feel like everything happens for a reason and God has me, so I’ll just continue to lean on him and continue to trust my faith every step up the way.“

Penix absorbed no shortage of blows in Washington’s 34-13 loss to Michigan in the College Football Playoff National Championship. The sixth-year senior was repeatedly walloped by Michigan’s monstrous defensive lineman.

Worse, Penix suffered a case of friendly fire when one of Washington’s offensive linemen stepped on his ankle in the third quarter. Despite the pain, Penix refused to allow head coach Kalen DeBoer to sub him out of the game, fighting to the last snap.

 “I’m just happy that I was able to finish it with the guys,” Penix said. “I knew that I didn’t want them to take me out of that game because I’ve been through it too much. And I knew that no matter what, I was going to make sure I finished for the guys and just give it my all.”

Michael Penix Jr. ready to put on a show

Penix didn’t have to prove anything. He finished the 2023 campaign with 4,903 yards, 36 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and a 65.4% completion percentage. In his career, Penix amassed 13,741 yards, 96 touchdowns, 34 interceptions and a 63.3% completion percentage.

On Saturday, Michael Penix Jr. will look to unofficially add to his running total. After all, the standout QB will have plenty of NFL scouts watching. In Mel Kiper’s latest NFL Big Board, he ranked Penix as the No. 5 available quarterback in the draft.

The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, with the first round on Thursday, April 25, the second and third rounds on Friday, April 26, and the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday, April 27.

On3’s Matt Connolly also contributed to this article.