South Atlanta News

Finding Falcons is a series that ventures beyond Atlanta's decision to draft a specific player and reveals the reasons behind doing so. Exclusive interviews with Falcons position coaches, area scouts, and top decision-makers detail the moments that solidified the decision to draft each of the men who make up their 2024 draft class. For eight consecutive weeks, these stories will be told.

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Zac Robinson is an avid watcher of college football during any given fall Saturday. Considering his job title as a professional offensive play-caller, it would be difficult for him not to notice standout performances as college games air on his television.

During the College Football Playoffs on January 1st, Robinson was particularly impressed by Michael Penix Jr., who delivered a high-level quarterback performance for the Washington Huskies against the Texas Longhorns.

"I think after you watch that Texas game, that was when you're kind of like, 'Oh, man, I can't wait to watch the film on this guy and really dive into it,'" Robinson said.

In that game, a 37-31 victory for Washington, Penix threw for 430 yards and two touchdowns on 29 passes, leading the Huskies to their first national championship appearance in school history.

A couple of months later, that performance ended up in a film cutup for T.J. Yates' pre-draft evaluation reviews. He also found himself captivated by Penix's performance in the Sugar Bowl.

"That Texas game was really the game that solidified for me that this guy is a real dude that has a shot to be a very good pro," said Yates, the Falcons quarterbacks coach. "It was some of the pocket work stuff that he did, the way he got the ball out, his accuracy down the field, his drive, his pace, his touch on all those throws. He can make every throw on the field."

Penix's ability to deliver explosive plays consistently made him stand out further. He became notable as the first FBS player since Patrick Mahomes to pass for 4,500 yards in back-to-back seasons.

"You're looking at it back to back. You're watching all these games and doing all these things and the more you watch this guy play football, the better it gets," Yates said. "It gets to where you can't wait to turn on the next game."

Joel Collier, Falcons northwest area scout who had been observing Penix for years before then, visited Washington's campus during their match against Oregon Ducks in October 2023.

"He just felt like a pro veteran quarterback," Collier said. "He didn't get flustered. He was very good in the pocket and made really good decisions."

Penix's stat line in Washington’s win over Oregon included four touchdowns with 302 passing yards on 22 completions and an 18-yard game-winning pass to Rome Odunze with less than two minutes remaining.

"Not every quarterback coming out of college has this these days," Collier noted about Penix’s vision downfield. "He's able to see the big picture when many guys only see half or key in on one guy."

The Falcons sent Yates to meet Penix at the NFL Combine and dispatched several coaches and front office personnel to Washington’s pro day.

Robinson mentioned that those who visited returned with positive impressions about Penix.

"There were multiple moments throughout the process when you realize that he is a special quarterback," Robinson concluded.