Heisman finalist unexpectedly opts out of Senior Bowl hours before kickoff
NFL scouts received a decent look at 2023 Heisman finalist quarterback Michael Penix Jr. this week at Senior Bowl practices, so much so that the former Washington quarterback has opted out of Saturday's game.
As Pro Football Talk notes, Penix Jr. isn't alone in opting out, which could cause major headaches for the Senior Bowl.
Penix was scheduled to start for the National team during the Reese's Senior Bowl, but Oregon's Bo Nix and Notre Dame's Sam Hartman will split reps instead.
Other players opted out of practice on Thursday, making them unlikely to participate in the game. Other National team members include UCLA edge Laiatu Latu, Oregon State offensive linemen Taliese Fuaga and Jackson Powers-Johnson, Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall and Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell.
Florida State wide receiver Johnny Wilson, who practiced with the American squad this week, also opted out of Thursday's practice.
On Saturday morning, Reese's Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy announced Florida State defensive lineman Braden Fiske was switching from the American to the National team "due to roster attrition."
With so many NFL scouts flocking to Mobile for the Senior Bowl practices, the players opting out showed enough to evaluators that playing in the game and risking injury is the only way to hurt their draft stock.
Penix's decision was the most eye-raising, but he came on strong after an uneven start to the week. Pro Football Focus singled Penix out as one of five players who helped his draft stock.
"He felt like the most impressive quarterback in Mobile," wrote PFF's Trevor Sikkema. Nagy noted that his defensive teammates on the National roster voted him as the team's best quarterback this week.
He made several outstanding throws during one-on-one drills, showcasing his strong arm and excellent ball placement.
Penix's best throw might have been this one to Rice wide receiver Luke McCaffrey. Here it is from two angles.
His Senior Bowl might be over, but the draft process is only just beginning. The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine kicks off later this month on Feb. 29.
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