Notes and Quotes From Nick Sheridan and Michael Penix's Press Conference

Image: Indiana University Athletics

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Indiana football continued with their preseason Zoom conferences as offensive coordinator and quarterback Michael Penix fielded questions from the media. 

Nick Sheridan Quotes:

On Playing Big Ten East Opponents Early in the Season:

“Those are great challenges and great opportunities for the entire team. Certainly Michael Penix Jr. looks forward to that competition. Obviously, it is well documented how tough and how stiff the competition is in those games, as it is for all of the games we will be playing this year. I think the opportunity has never been greater, honestly, because of the difficulty of the schedule. It is how we embrace it. I look forward to the competition. That is the reason we coach or play in the Big Ten. Mike is no different than any of the other guys and I think he is excited for the opportunities that are ahead. Our focus, our attention, is on the fact that we put pads on for the first time today. We have a long way to go and not a ton of time. I know that everyone is excited for the opportunities that lay ahead.”

On Learning the Role of Offensive Coordinator:

“For most everybody, it has been an unconventional year, without a doubt. We are just taking things one day at a time. The challenge for the coaches has been that it has been difficult to plan too far ahead. The ability to adjust, adapt and be flexible will serve us well because we have a coaching staff that is ready to pivot and alter the plan to best help our players. I am having a blast because of the staff that I get to work with and the players that we get to coach. We are taking it one day at a time. I have enjoyed it and am looking forward to watching the practice film today with the staff and find some ways to get better and help our players. I think the thing that I have enjoyed the most is the interaction with the players, which we missed for a long time. I love being around the guys, coaches and players. That is why I coach, to be a part of a team. It is great to be back with the team.”

On His Relationship with Michael Penix:

“Michael is, obviously, a very talented player. I think that one of Michael's biggest strength as a player is the game is slow for him. He makes quick decisions, he is able to see the field and it does not take him long to grasp concepts. I credit his upbringing, the people that have helped him along the way, coaches, trainers and parents. He has always seen the game very naturally. Our relationship dates back a few years, we have known each other for a long time. That is what makes coaching special and what makes the game of football special. I am excited for him to continue to grow, continue to get better, have some fun and stay healthy. I am excited to help him out along the way. It has been great. Michael, as well as the other quarterbacks, are like family. I have known them for so long. I love those guys, and Michael is certainly included in that group. It has been great.”

QB Michael Penix

On His Relationship With Coach Sheridan:

“The relationship is not that much different. We have always had a strong relationship since I have been here. The only difference now is that he is calling the plays. I was with him my freshman year when he was the quarterback coach, so I have worked with him before. We have always had a good connection. Last year, when he moved to tight ends, we still talked a lot. He still knew everything that the quarterbacks had going on, so it has always been a good connection. The only difference now is that he is calling the plays.”

On Changes this Season:

“I would not say that there has been much of a change. We have been working out, staying together and finding ways to get together. We were making sure that we are staying in sync every day, even in the summer when we were not practicing together. So, it really was not much different. We have always found ways to prepare and get ready for this moment. We always wanted to stay ready and make sure that when the time came, we were ready.”

On the Young Receivers Who Have Stepped Up:

“I feel that our entire receiver corps have looked really good. We have some young guys like Javon Swinton that is doing really well on the outside and getting a lot of reps. Rashawn Williams is a good player, a quick guy that will be really good for our offense. We have a couple more like Jordan Jakes that was here last year and did not get a lot of playing time. These guys are going to have to play a big role this year and step up. I feel like those guys are ready.”