When head coach Kalen DeBoer hosted his first practice in the spring of 2022, fans and media members alike didn't know what to expect. Now, a year later, the bar has been raised. After an 11-2 season that placed the Huskies eighth in the final AP Poll, the team's first practice back raised expectations even further.
In a setting designed for the offense to thrive, Michael Penix looked like one of the best quarterbacks in the country, just like he did in the entirety of 2022. But he wasn't the only quarterback who stood out in the Dempsey Center on Monday morning.
Dylan Morris showed some significant signs of progression under DeBoer's tutelage. Morris displayed improved arm strength and talent, making multiple throws into tight windows, even though a few drops hindered his final stat line.
Morris made arguably the best throw of the day, connecting with redshirt freshman receiver Denzel Boston for a 75-yard touchdown. The ball traveled over 40 yards in the air and hit the wide-open Boston, who had torched his defender.
It wasn't the best day for the cornerbacks, led by Jaivion Green and Elijah Jackson on the outside, with Mishael Powell taking the snaps at the Husky position. Oklahoma State transfer Jabbar Muhammad was suited up but didn't practice.
However, while it wasn't the corners' best day, junior receiver Rome Odunze had an incredible practice. He made multiple athletic snags where he had to contort his body in midair, and caught a touchdown through double coverage from Penix during the 7 on 7 portion of practice.
Other notes
Some notable players who took reps with the first team: Tight end Ryan Otton and wide receiver Germie Bernard on the offensive side, and cornerback Jaivion Green on the defensive side.
Junior college transfer Thaddeus Dixon looks like he has all the tools to be a star. He displayed sticky coverage on Denzel Boston during the 7 on 7 period, and has an NFL body, measuring in at 6'1 and 190 pounds.
Penix's arm talent cannot be understated. The senior All-American quarterback was showing off on Monday, dicing up the Husky defense, placing the ball wherever he wanted. If his offensive line can keep him upright again in 2023, he should be in line to be invited to New York as a Heisman Trophy finalist.
While he isn't officially enrolled in classes yet and therefore isn't allowed to participate in practice, true freshman offensive lineman Landen Hatchett was assisting offensive line coach Scott Huff, and soaking in everything he could.
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