MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — The Senior Bowl quarterbacks are a well-travelled group, most of whom have moved on from one Power Five program to another. All seven, led by Washington's Michael Penix Jr. and Oregon's Bo Nix, have been working on their next landing this week leading up to Saturday's Senior Bowl.
Seahawks draft: ESPN's Miller talks JJ McCarthy's turnaround and Michael Penix Jr.'s stock
Michael Penix of Washington (@themikepenix) was voted the nation's top QB by his defensive teammates today during the Practice Player of the Week award ceremony at the 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl. #TheDraftStartsInMobile pic.twitter.com/iMGG2YgObl
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) February 2, 2024
The game culminates a week of scrutiny on the field and in meeting rooms by NFL coaches, scouts and executives. And a week of trying to stand out from the crowd.
“It's all about preparation,” said Penix, who led the Huskies to the national championship game. “Everyone knows football when you get to this level, it's about what more do you do to separate yourself from somebody else. That's what's going to happen. That's what it's always been about. .”
Penix, Nix and Notre Dame's Sam Hartman will lead the national team. The U.S. team includes South Carolina's Spencer Rattler, Tennessee's Joe Milton III, Tulane's Michael Pratt and South Alabama's Carter Bradley. Bradley, whose father is Gus and is the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts, will play at his home stadium, Hancock-Whitney Stadium.
Penix and Nix, who led the nation in passing each of the past two seasons, lead the Pac-12's top teams against each other twice this season. Now they've been teammates for a week.
LSU Heisman Trophy winner Jaden Daniels, University of Southern California's Caleb Williams and University of North Carolina's Drake Maye are widely considered to be the top three quarterbacks available in April's draft.
However, there are also big names in the mobile industry who could be strong candidates. Penix, who began his career at Indiana University, finished second in Heisman voting. The Knicks, who transferred from Auburn, finished in third place.
Rattler arrived at South Carolina by way of Oklahoma, Milton started his career at Michigan and Hartman started his career at Wake Forest.
They've spent the past week separating themselves from the pack, but the goal for this game is to give everyone a near-equal chance.
“We're going to try to give our players equal opportunities across the board,” New York Jets defensive coordinator and national coach Jeff Ulbrich said. “Do we want to win? Absolutely. But at the same time, the most important thing in this game is to give them a chance to shine.”
All of this brings with it the confidence developed during a successful college career. Rattler has been a bright spot in South Carolina's lackluster season.
“I’m stacked against everyone,” Rattler said. “I'm confident in my abilities. I'm happy where I am. I'm still working.”
Considering five of them played at multiple schools, the quarterbacks have some added similarities along with each other's goals.
Hartman said part of the fun experience is being able to connect with other college applicants. He feels particular sympathy for the Knicks. Both left their home states to finish their careers.
“His legacy and career are very similar to mine, both good and bad,” Hartman said. “I'm a big fan of his.”
There are a number of potential early-round picks in this game, including edge rushers Laiatu Latu (UCLA) and Darius Robinson (Missouri), Toledo cornerback Kunyon Mitchell, and Texas defensive lineman Tyvondre Sweat. Names are listed.
Offensive linemen have also been highly rated, including Oregon State's Talese Fuaga, Oklahoma's Tyler Guyton, BYU's Kingsley Suamatai, Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson and Houston's Patrick Paul. .
UW Huskies in the draft: Who stands out more than NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah?
