Countdown to 2018 IUFB Kickoff: 2 Days (Mike Penix Jr.)

Written By Nathan Comp

Countdown to IUFB Kickoff: 2 Days (Mike Penix Jr)

The Hoosier Huddle countdown to kickoff is on its last breaths. We are just two days away from the Hoosiers kicking off the 2018 season on the road against Florida International University. Today we will highlight a player who has been discussed all offseason, true freshman quarterback Mike Penix. (He will wear #9 this season).

Mike Penix Jr (Freshman)

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 206 Pounds

Hometown: Tampa, FL

Position: Quarterback

After a contentious QB competition between Peyton Ramsey, Mike Penix, and Brandon Dawkins, Coach Allen officially named Peyton Ramsey the starter for the Florida International game this week. Earning the position of QB1 was no easy task, however, due in large part to the talented true freshman Mike Penix. Penix has impressed the coaching staff from the first day he stepped on campus as an early enrollee this spring. Even during the first spring practice it was clear that Penix would not be accepting a spot on the bench without giving it his all. He has a cannon of an arm, has quickly picked up the playbook, and has shown his ability to escape pressure and make plays happen with his feet. With Brandon Dawkins departure after losing the starting job, the focus now shifts to a difficult decision Coach Allen and his staff have: How often will we see Penix? Are they focused on preserving his redshirt, allowing him only to play in only four games, or is he too talented to not see the field? That will be one of the main stories to watch as the season progresses.

For some background on Penix, he originates from Tampa Bay Technical High School in Tampa, Florida. He is a left-hander who threw for 61 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions during his time as a starter.  He tacked on 16 scores rushing as well. He was a tri-sport athlete in high school, also competing in baseball and track and field. Penix joined the Indiana program during the early signing period in December when the four-star prospect chose IU over the in-state ACC power Florida State.

He remains as one of the most talented and intriguing players to watch this upcoming season.