Countdown to 2020 IUFB Kickoff: 9 Days (Michael Penix Jr)

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Written by Nathan Comp

#9

The Hoosier Huddle countdown to kickoff is in its final stages as we’re just over one week away from the first game. The Hoosiers kick off the 2020 season at home against the Penn State Nittany Lions. Today, we’ll highlight the pair of high-profile players that wear the number nine jersey, Michael Penix and Marcelino Ball (posting later).

Michael Penix (Redshirt Sophomore)

Hometown: Tampa, Florida

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 218 Pounds

Position: Quarterback

It’s been a tough start to the career of Michael Penix. After a couple appearances his freshman year in which he flashed his potential and cannon of an arm, a season-ending ACL injury against Penn State cut his year short and forced him to redshirt. One year later, after beating out incumbent starter Peyton Ramsey for QB1, injuries once again rattled Penix. He eventually suffered a second season-ending injury to his right sternoclavicular joint in year two.

This year, things will have to be different. There is no longer a Peyton Ramsey safety net to fall on and with the daunting conference-only Big Ten schedule ahead, Penix must be ready. And he knows it.

"Just get bigger so I can embrace the hits,” said Penix. “I've got to be out there for my guys. Find ways to make plays all the time. Make the smart play, as well. Make sure I'm out there for my team."

Penix has added sixteen pounds of muscle over the offseason in preparation for the hits he has to be able to take. He’s missed the opportunity to play against the Big Ten’s best the past couple seasons while sidelined with injuries.

"I wanted to play in those games. I'm ready to play them this year. We'll come out and dominate. This team is ready for the big games. I feel we're going to shock the world. I know we are."

Penix has already won the starting job this season. He holds school records in single-season completion percentage mark (68.8%) and completion streak (20 straight passes against Michigan State last season). Penix is one of three Hoosiers named to the 2020 Maxwell Award Watch List.