A Heisman Trophy finalist and No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft visited Tuscaloosa during Alabama’s recruiting weekend.
Yet this stud quarterback didn’t play for the Crimson Tide. It was Michael Penix Jr., who of course played for Kalen DeBoer at Washington where Penix Jr. led the Huskies to the College Football Playoff National Championship game, losing to the Michigan Wolverines 34-13.
DeBoer was also the Atlanta Falcons signal caller’s offensive coordinator at Indiana, so the bond between the two runs deep. It’s not a surprise then that Penix Jr. stumped for DeBoer to court five-star and four-star recruits like wide receiver Donovan Murph (rated four stars by rivals) with an easy trip to Tuscaloosa for the Alabama recruiting weekend.
Never a dull moment in Tuscaloosa #RTR
— Donovan Murph (@donovan_murph) June 9, 2024
@KalenDeBoer @CoachShephard @CoachSanders14 @Carriganjohnsn @haha_cd6 @Coach__Gill @aldotcomTide @Jdsmith31Smith @TDAlabamaMag @Bama_247 @BrettGreenberg_ @JosephAHastings @Ryanwms1 @AnnaH247 pic.twitter.com/pbVUMFgbbV
The Crimson Tide head coach is building strong momentum with several key commitments in June, including four-star offensive lineman Michael Carroll, four-star cornerback Chuck McDonald, and explosive four-star quarterback Keelon Russell.
In fact, Russell specifically referenced Penix Jr.’s development as a major factor in switching his commitment to Alabama from SMU.
As far as Penix Jr.’s development in the NFL, his arm strength continues to wow while his “accuracy has been a bit of a rollercoaster.” Luckily, he’ll be afforded time sitting behind Kirk Cousins.
Unfortunately for DeBoer, Alabama fans don’t usually afford their head coaches much time. He seems to know that.