Tough times have molded Michael Penix Jr. into what he has become today. However, in his journey from being injured to making his way to becoming an NFL Draft prospect, there were multiple times that the former Washington Huskies quarterback broke down.

As traced down during the YouTube podcast SheGotSports, the quarterback took refuge in God and prayers, made his way back recovering from injury, and is now all set to hit the gridiron. In this year’s NFL Draft, the quarterback is at No. 13 overall. 

Penix Jr. has overcome tough times 

Highlighting Penix Jr.’s harrowing journey in football, host Lauren Russell brought into focus how, in November 2020, in a matchup against Maryland, Penix Jr. tore the same ACL he tore 2 years ago. This left him to question the exhaustive rehab process and doubt his knee’s strength after the second repair. In 2021, he was the starter but failed to overcome the hurdles. As shared by the host, “Penix says he wasn’t in the best head space that season after dealing with so many serious injuries. He says there were times before games where he would just lay on his floor and cry, praying to God that he would protect him.”

However, he has gradually recovered from his injury and has got clearance during pre-draft medical exams. As sources confirmed, the quarterback’s twice-reconstructed right knee is structurally sound. According to ESPN’s analyst Matt Miller, the Las Vegas Raiders “really do like” the quarterback. 

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USP of Penix Jr. and his chance with the Raiders

The Raiders view Penix Jr. as a high-level prospect known for completing 61.6 percent of his passes for over 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns. Going by his records, in Washington, the quarterback enjoyed two healthy seasons, throwing for 9,544 yards and 67 touchdowns. Under his leadership, the Huskies went 25-3 over his two-year tenure. 

Besides, Penix Jr., who will be turning 24 in May, has been one of the best signal-callers in college football history over the past two years. In this way, he led Washington to reach the College Football Playoff National Championship. Considering the present scenario, an AFC Assistant Coach praised Penix Jr., giving him the title of “the second-best quarterback in the draft.” NFL analyst Grant Paulsen has a similar notion about the quarterback, “To me, he’s the second-best quarterback in this draft. The guy has already elevated one program from being a doormat to a top program. He’s already elevated all these people around him.”

Above all, Penix Jr. has a big arm that led the FBS in completions last season, with 4,903, becoming the first quarterback in the Huskies to accomplish the feat. This alluring factor will help the quarterback stand out in the 2024 NFL Draft, including two Heisman Trophy winners, Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels.