The Biggest Star In The National Championship Hails From Tampa
When Washington takes the field next Monday night vs. Michigan, the college football championship game will feature a hometown star. That’s because the Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr., is a Tampa native.
Before arriving in Seattle, before playing four seasons for the University of Indiana, Penix Jr. was setting records at Tampa Bay Technical High School. Growing up, Penix Jr’s father was a high school coach in Dade City. Penix Sr. told SI.com‘s Hoosiers Now that, “His very first steps as a baby, they were actually in the end zone.’’
At Tampa Bay Technical, Penix Jr. threw for 4,243 yards and 61 touchdowns in just two seasons. “He was a high school sensation, the best player in the metro Tampa area that produces dozens of Division I athletes every year,” SI.com said. However, when it came to selecting a college program where he would take his talents, Penix Jr. had to leave the state. The Tampa Bay Times recently wondered how major in-state programs like USF, Florida State, and the Florida Gators let Penix Jr. get away. Especially when Penix Jr. decided to transfer two years ago.
One More To Go
Nonetheless, this season has been nothing short of amazing for #9. In addition to being a Heisman Trophy finalist, he has led the Huskies to one of the most historic seasons in school history. The team was a perfect 14-0. This included two nail-biting thrilling victories against PAC10 rivals Oregon and, of course, a win over Texas to make it to the championship game in Houston.
Although Penix Jr. is the biggest Tampa star of the championship game, he’s not the only player in the game from the area. Michigan edge rusher Jaylen Harrell is from Tampa (#32). The same holds true for offensive lineman and long-snapper James Kavouklis (#64).
Monday night will be the last game Penix Jr. plays in the college football world. He is expected to be a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft this April. Although Baker Mayfield has played well this season, there are thoughts the Bucs may eventually want a new face of the franchise. Could Michael Penix Jr. return home to Tampa?
