Bloomington Leader

Indiana Hoosiers Football issued the following announcement on Mar 9.

This was the Michael Penix Jr. we've come to know.

The arm.

The leadership.

The potential.

Granted, it came in bite-size spring practice moments under sun-splashed conditions at Indiana's practice field, but it was a reassuring sight as the Hoosiers begin preparations for a stirring follow-up to an eight-win bowl season.

"I'm really encouraged by his growth and the way he's responded to the challenge I've given him," coach Tom Allen says. "He's taken on that role that -- hey, this is your team."

Penix threw long without effort Sunday afternoon. At one point it was a 60-yard spiral into a cloudless blue sky that fell into a diving receiver's hands to set up a mini celebration.

It was a moment months in the making, and it showed a complete recovery from sternum surgery. New offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan says Penix is able to fully participate in practice.

Penix rotated with fellow quarterbacks Jack Tuttle and Dexter Williams II for non-contact drills. His blue jersey emphasized he was not to be touched.

He threw long and short, mixed with plenty of handoffs, as the Hoosiers worked to build the offense under Sheridan's direction.

One thing is clear -- Penix is physically better prepared for Big Ten contact.

He won't challenge for Mr. Universe competitions, but he's noticeably bigger. Last year he was at 202 pounds. Now, he's pushing 220.

"Coach Allen told me he trusts me and everything I'm doing," Penix says. "He challenged me to work hard and continue to lead the team. Make sure I do everything in my power to help the team.

"One thing he said was to gain weight. That's something I've made sure I push every day. I'm working in the weight room extremely had. I feel that's going to be good for the season."

As far as how big he wants to get for the season, he says, "Wherever is comfortable and whatever is going to help the team. As long as I feel like I can move, I feel good."

That's exactly what Sheridan wants to hear.

"It's a sign of him maturing physically and mentally," he says. "He understands the rigors of playing quarterback in the Big Ten. The physicality of the position. He understands the importance of being as strong and as healthy as possible so you can withstand the physicality of the sport.

"I'm encouraged because he understands and he's working at it. That's a credit to him."

Last year Penix beat out veteran Peyton Ramsey for the starting job. He played in six games before getting hurt, completing 68.8 percent of his passes for 1,394 yards, 10 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also rushed for 119 yards and two TDs.

That experience, Allen says, will pay off this coming season.

"He's learned from last year's situations and opportunities he was given. He was able to grow and develop, physically and in his leadership."

Penix had surgery in November and began throwing in January. He says rehab was "a quick process."

Trainers pushed him every day, even through times when, "You don't always want to do it." The goal was to make sure he "competes and plays hard for the team."

"I knew how bad I wanted to play and be in this position. I was always focused on getting back and making sure I could do whatever I can so I don't have to go through this again."

Penix's development goes way beyond weight gain and rehabilitation. It's leadership, execution, attention to detail and recognition. It's understanding the offense better, reading defenses better, making plays that need to be made under fierce pressure.

And, of course, staying healthy.

"He has a great opportunity and responsibility," Allen says.

"I've been very encouraged by the attention to detail. That was one of the challenges put to him. That's part of growing up. That's part of being a year older and being in this position. That has to continue, and he knows that.

"That's taking it into spring football, the leadership and being that positive voice, a guy who has confidence to confront the things that need confronted. That's probably the hardest thing to do as a young person with your peers."

Allen emphasizes it starts with daily discipline, with dedication and commitment and expanding leadership to the entire team, not just the offense.

"I've been encouraged by that," Allen says. "I expected it. At the end of the day, he's got to do it, and that's what he's done."

Leading means setting an everyday example, Penix says.

"Coming in and pushing the team, pushing everybody in the weight room, off the field in class, making sure everybody gets to class on time. Being that person that guys talk to any time they need it, whether it's a good or bad situation. Being that leader that everyone looks up to and trusts."

Injuries have shortened both of Penix's first two seasons. He's focused on avoiding a third.

"I'm very determined. I'm working hard every day in the weight room and in rehab, just making sure that my body is healthy.

"I play to have fun and play for my brothers and just go out and compete. I don't think about injuries, I don't think about the past, I want to go out there and have fun and get wins. That's what it's all about."

As far as changing his style of play to avoid injuries, he says trainers, "Always talk about making sure I protect myself as much as possible.

"I don't look back on those times. I always try to keep my head forward and work on what I can do next to help the team. Gain weight, work hard every day to get back to where I need to be. That's all I've been focusing on."

The offensive coordinator adjustment from Kalen DeBoer (now the Fresno State head coach) to Sheridan is well underway. Sheridan started as the quarterbacks coach at IU before switching to tight ends last season.

"I'm very excited (to work with him)," Penix says. "The whole team, the whole offense is excited.

"He's a great guy. Even last year, while he was with the tight ends, he was always involved with all the other positions.

"He brings a lot of humor. He continues to push us. It's just a great presence."

Penix will have plenty of talented receiving targets. That's led by veterans Whop Philyor and Ty Fryfogle.

Philyor led IU with 70 catches and 1,002 receiving yards last season. He caught five touchdown passes.

Fryfogle had 45 catches for 604 yards and three TDs.

Younger receivers are set to make significant impact. Penix mentioned Jordan Jakes, Jacolby Hewitt and Miles Marshall.

Marshall is the only one who played last season. He caught 16 passes for 196 yards and a touchdown.

"Jordan has been going extremely hard," Penix says. "He doesn't miss any throwing sessions. That impresses me.

"Jacolby is coming off an ACL injury. He's working hard, as well. We had the same injury, so we talk a lot. I try to keep him level-headed and positive.

"Miles made a lot of big plays for us last year. We're looking forward to him making more of those plays this season."

Original source can be found here.

Source: Indiana Hoosiers Football