The Athletic Football Show on Michael Penix Jr.

PodcastWeek 5 Hangover: CJ Stroud is "f***ing awesome"October 13, 2026

From the episode

whether this is a mental thing or not...it really is more about spatial awareness than anything...if that doesn't happen, then I think the limitations start to rival or outweigh the strengths enough where it becomes a problem.

Mentioned at 19:05 – 22:30

STACKED’s take

Negative signalProjection

Penix's middle-field limitations may be innate; development uncertain.

Penix's middle-of-the-field throw accuracy and spatial awareness remain a developmental concern; while he makes impressive outside-the-numbers throws and has strong arm talent, his willingness to attack the middle of the field—particularly on man coverage—is limited and may be an innate trait rather than something easily fixable with experience.