As Penix Rests Up, UW Coaches Get First Look at Mack — Who Was Impressive

The freshman quarterback from Folsom, California, showed off his big arm.

Michael Penix Jr. was in uniform, but he basically took the weekend off, turning over the University of Washington quarterbacking duties to Dylan Morris and Austin Mack. 

No, this wasn't part of his name, likeness and image agreement. 

On Sunday, Husky coach Kalen DeBoer explained how Penix threw a lot of balls through the first three practices and the Heisman Trophy candidate needed to go on what amounted to a pitch count just so he doesn't get a tired arm.

"If Mike had to play today, he'd play," DeBoer said, surrounded by media members. "I was a matter of keeping him fresh, keeping him sharp."

This move also proved enticing, with the coaching staff and everyone in the stadium getting a glimpse of the future of Husky football up close, prior to entering the Big Ten and post Penix, and it was unduly impressive — with Mack showing off his big arm and rifling the ball all over the place.

Just 17 and a reclassified player who graduated from high school a year early, the 6-foot-6, 226-pound freshman from Folsom, California, had one stretch in which he fired lasers in rapid-fire succession to wide receivers Germie Bernard, Giles Jackson and Taeshaun Lyons, and running back Will Nixon, with the last two balls covering 30 and 40 yards, respectively.

"The cool thing about it is he is learning and getting better and growing by the minute, by the play," DeBoer said. "He was prepared for this time."

Freshman quarterback Austin Mack checks out the drinks and snacks made available following practice.  / Dan Raley

What everyone initially notices about Mack, who wears No. 10, is how big and imposing he is, with his large frame enabling him to stand tall in the pocket and look down the field without any visual obstruction. He's also fairly mobile when he scrambles around. Mostly, it's that powerful right arm that draws stares.

As Mack went through his quarterback movements during the morning practice, Penix often stood directly behind him and mimicked the first-year player in calling for the ball, looking to the sideline and even his throwing motion. 

The veteran and the newcomer also were seen walking and talking together during practice, no doubt sharing information.

Following the aforementioned passing display, Mack was met by offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who traded fist bumps with the young prodigy and then spoke at length with him, as well.

Besides showing off his arm strength, Mack might have made his most impressive throw by threading one through an extremely tight space to tight end Josh Cuevas for a 19-yard gain. 

By unofficial count, the freshman completed 8 of 14 passes, and was even touch-sacked five times, two by sophomore defensive tackle Jayvon Parker, but the possibilities for him are endless.

"He's just so mature for how young he is," DeBoer said of his quarterback. "Physically you look at him, and we have to remember, he doesn't look 17. Even when you talk to him, mentally, in the meeting room, he doesn't come across as 17 years old."

Considering what Mack did his first time in the practice spotlight, those Big Ten schools who graciously welcomed the UW into their conference might want to reconsider when they get a load of this talented kid from California.

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