Kalen DeBoer reveals emotions of Michael Penix Jr. drafted at No. 8 by Atlanta Falcons

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer is ready to see Michael Penix Jr. make an impact in the NFL. While speaking to Ryen Russillo, the former Washington Huskies head coach was asked about his thoughts on Penix being drafted at No. 8 overall by the Atlanta Falcons.

“I was ecstatic,” DeBoer said. “I love the kid, I love everything about him. He’s handled everything with such grace through his entire career.”

DeBoer also praised his former quarterback for believing in him. Both individuals joined Washington in 2022, and Penix joined the program after spending four seasons with the Indiana Hoosiers.

“He’s a Florida guy. He’s living in Indiana. Getting out to Washington, that’s a trek,” DeBoer said about recruiting Penix. “I saw that talent in him. You can see glimpses and it was just a matter of stringing it together. …He had a great offseason, a full offseason going into 2022 where that allowed him to just really be healthy, continue to define what he was, who he was as a person through the experiences and the he led.

DeBoer also said that the team was bought into Penix last season, which led to the team reaching the national championship. “They already bought into him, but when he spoke, they all listened,” DeBoer said. “He’s just ready for this moment. I’m fired up about him getting this opportunity and people also realizing that he truly is that good.

Michael Penix Jr. preparing for anything in 2024

It might take some time for NFL fans to see Penix in action as the Falcons will start four-time Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins this season and in 2025 since they just signed him to a four-year, $180 million. However, Penix is determined to be ready to go when the Falcons take the field this fall.

“I’m still going to prepare like I’m going to be on that field because you never know when your number is called, but you got to be ready,” Penix told reporters, per the Falcons’ official website. “So, for me, I’m going to do whatever I can to be ready at Day 1. I’m still going to put in the same work. I’m going to prepare and I’m going to work as if I’m the starter – no matter what my role is – because I want to do anything I can to help this team win a football game. And for me to do that, I got to be at my best.”