Florida QB remains solidly committed to Vols, recaps 'amazing' visit
Michael Penix Jr. committed to Tennessee after visiting Knoxville for the Orange & White Game in late April, and upon his return to town last Thursday, the 4-star quarterback remains quite satisfied with his college choice.
“Everything is just how it’s always been. It’s amazing,” Penix Jr. said, as the Tampa Bay Tech (Fla.) southpaw was in town for Tennessee’s final summer recruiting camp.
“All the coaches showing more love. Coming out here, seeing everything again. It’s really exciting.”
In a pool party hosted by Tennessee, Penix had a chance to hang out with fellow 2018 pledges Cade Mays, Alontae Taylor, Tanner Ingle, Jamarcus Chatman and Ollie Lane. He also relished another opportunity to spend time with quarterbacks coach Mike Canales.
“He’s been great. He’s been like a father figure already, even though I’m not here yet,” Penix said. “When I get here, we’re going to have a strong bond, as we’re building right now. It’s real good.”
Penix camped at South Florida last month, impressing both Bulls coaches and Ohio State’s staff, which was in town for the satellite session. The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder remains firmly committed to Tennessee, though, saying he hasn’t heard from any other programs lately and he’s “all with Tennessee right now.”
As one of two quarterbacks in UT’s 2018 class, Penix is starting to build a relationship with California native Adrian Martinez. Both 4-star signal callers will enroll early in January.
“We have a group chat where we all keep in touch, all the 2018 commits. (Adrian) is a cool guy,” Penix said. “I really like him as a player and a person.”
Penix plans to be back on Rocky Top a couple times before enrolling next year, penciling in his official visit for Tennessee’s home finale against Vanderbilt on Nov. 25. He also hopes to visit for the LSU game the week prior.
Asked about his plan to graduate high school early, Penix said, “It was because I felt that it was going to be better for me, so I can come in early and get to know the program and be more comfortable with the program and the coaches. I wanted to be able to do that.”
For now, the rising senior is focused on his own high school team, while also helping Tennessee put the final touches on its 2018 class.
“It’s great. We’re going to keep going. I’ve been working on a few people. We’re trying to get (receiver) Jeshaun Jones out of Fort Meyers,” Penix said.
“There’s some other big players that we’re trying to get. We’ve got most of them. Still going.”
Penix passed for more than 2,000 yards with 31 touchdowns in 2016, but the lefty quarterback believes he’s primed for an even bigger senior season after adding nearly 10 pounds to his frame and improving his overall game.
“It’s just all a part of working out. You’re going to get bigger and stronger. Everything that’s going to come with it,” he said.
"I’ve (gotten better) with my leadership, my accuracy, being able to lead the team to success that we need during the season. I’m always pushing everybody, making sure everybody is on the right track.”