Michael Penix Jr. shares what makes Rome Odunze a special receiver

Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and star wide receiver Rome Odunze have been the combination that’s made the Washington Huskies go over the last couple of months.

They’ve turned the Pac-12 squad into an offensive juggernaut, defeating the best competition with their aerial assault week-in and week-out. After taking care of business in the Sugar Bowl and advancing to the national title game, Penix Jr. waxed poetic about Odunze, elaborating on what makes him special.

“Obviously I think a big thing is his consistency,” Penix Jr. started. “You see that each and every week on a consistent basis. He doesn’t just do it on game day, either. He shows up in practice, always giving the best looks, the best reps that he can to help his team, and that’s what I think makes him so special.

“Just his care and love for this team to where like when it comes to practice, when it might be getting hard in practice, he’s still going to give 110 percent no matter what.”

Alas, Odunze’s stats from this past season tell the story. He’s amassed 87 receptions for 1,553 yards and 13 touchdowns on the season. He’s been everything a quarterback could ask for in their top wide receiver.

While it’s been a special season for the combination, both Michael Penix Jr. and Rome Odunze want to end their journey with a national title. We’ll see if they can get it done on Monday against Michigan.

Michael Penix Jr. addresses if his strong performance impacts perception of Heisman voting

Moreover, Michael Penix Jr. led Washington to victory over Texas in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day, and took some time to reflect during his post-game press conference.

Specifically, Penix was asked about the Heisman Trophy, and if he had any ill-will towards the committee for his second-place finish. 

Of course, that’s the furthest thing from Penix Jr.’s mind at the moment. He has all the respect in the world for Jayden Daniels, even if some believe Penix Jr.’s performance in the Sugar Bowl validated his Heisman robbery.

“As far as the Heisman thing, that’s over. It don’t matter right now. We’re looking to win a national championship. That’s been my goal since Day 1,” the Washington star explained. “You won’t find an interview or anything of me saying like, ‘I want to win the Heisman.’ That was never my goal. My goal was to win football games for this team. We’ve been doing it. 14-0. We’ve got one more to go. That’s my focus. 

“The Heisman Committee, I’ll never talk down on them at all. They do an amazing job with their votes, and Jayden Daniels, he’s an amazing player. Made plays all throughout the year as well. I don’t take anything anyway from him, and the decision that they made. The only thing I can account for is what I do to help this team win football games. That’s what I’m all about.”