Ja'Lynn Polk reveals emotions on returning home to Texas for CFP National Championship Game

Stephen Samraby:Steve Samra01/06/24

SamraSource

Ja’Lynn Polk has become an essential piece of the Washington offense. However, he was once a wide receiver recruit Lufkin, TX wanting to make a name for himself with the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

As fate would have it, Polk has helped lead the Huskies to the College Football Playoff National Title Game, and the game is being played at NRG Stadium in Houston. That means Polk gets to return home for the biggest game of his college career.

Ahead of attempting to finish out an undefeated campaign versus Michigan, the wide receiver spoke on his emotions for his return home, and what it’ll mean to play this game in Texas.

“It’s truly a blessing,” Polk told the Big Ten Network crew. “All year, I worked hard, as hard as I could for this moment. It’s truly a blessing, just to be able to be here in Texas, for this moment. To finish this thing out. Have a lot of family members and support system to be able to come and see this happen. And for me, to be able to be with my teammates as well. So that’s the greatest feeling ever.”

As Polk put it, “That’s the greatest feeling ever,” and it’s tough to argue with that sentiment. For things to work out the way they did for the wide receiver is incredible, and an awesome story regardless of what happens on Monday.

Expect Ja’Lynn Polk to play a big role in Monday’s game. He’s going to put on for his home state when the Huskies come into town.

Ja’Lynn Polk calls Michael Penix Jr. ‘truly an inspiration’ before national title game

When Washington takes the field on Monday night for the national championship game, it’ll do so led by one of college football’s most decisive commanders: quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

Penix has been outstanding all season. But above and beyond just his ability to dish out pinpoint passes and pile up gaudy yardage totals, Penix’ journey itself has been an inspiration to teammates.

He’s a former three-star prospect from Florida who couldn’t garner any actionable interest from the big programs. He went to Indiana, where his early career was besieged by injuries. Somehow, he found a way to fight his way through all that.

On Monday, he’ll be on the biggest stage as a quarterback vying for a national title.

“Mike is truly an inspiration, not only to this team but the whole world,” receiver Ja’Lynn Polk said. “Just to see the things that he’s been able to overcome and conquer throughout all the adversity that he’s been through in his career.”