Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. highlights AP midseason All-America team loaded with experience

Washington sixth-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. highlights The Associated Press midseason All-America team, one of 19 players honored who have been in school at least five years.

Penix is among the many players in college football who have extended their careers by taking advantage of the NCAA's decision to give an extra year of eligibility because of the disruptions of the 2020-21 pandemic year.

Penix, who transferred to Washington in 2022 after four injury-plagued seasons at Indiana, is leading the nation with 383 yards passing per game for the Huskies (6-0), who are ranked fifth in the AP Top 25.

"The production, the talent, all that, that's one thing. The heart that he's got. The guts he's got and the willingness to just grind through it. Grit. There's not enough words to describe how I feel about him," Washington coach Kalen DeBoer said after Penix led the Huskies to a 36-33 victory against No. 9 Oregon last week.