Ad Disclosure
Tom Allen updates plan, outlook for Michael Penix Jr. during preseason camp
By Paul Harvey
Published:
All eyes at Indiana are on quarterback Michael Penix Jr. as the Hoosiers open up fall camp.
As Tom Allen and company open 2021 with increased expectations, a lot rides on the health of Penix after his injury in 2020. Penix was off to a strong start with over 1,600 yards and 14 touchdowns before his season-ending knee injury.
All offseason, the question has been whether or not he would be able to open the season at Iowa on Sept. 4. Thankfully, Penix opened camp on Thursday as a full participant, and Allen provided more insight.
According to Matt Weaver with 247 sports, Allen said Penix will continue to be fully used in practices but will not be taking hits. That’s normal for QBs in camp:
“As you move through fall camp, we got a good plan for that,” Allen said. “You go through. Obviously, he’ll be fully practicing, doing everything with us. Nobody is going to be hitting him, as is the case with all our quarterbacks. Be in blue jerseys like they always are. Probably maybe a heightened sense. You get guys that trip or fall or whatever in different drills. You want to eliminate all that threat, but continue to develop.”
Allen went on to say that the expectation is still for Penix to be the starter when the season kicks off against Iowa:
“We feel really good about where he is,” Allen said about Penix and his rehab. “I think he’s right where I kind of expected him to be coming into fall camp, where I hoped he would be coming into fall camp. Expecting him to be our starter on September 4th. To me, that’s really the most accurate part I can say in regards to that. I feel good about where he is mentally and physically. I know it’s been a long haul for him. He’s once again responded and stepped up to the challenge.”
Hopefully, Penix gets even stronger throughout camp and is ready to roll against the Hawkeyes.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.