Louisville QB Lamar Jackson Declares For NFL Draft
CHESTNUT HILL, MA - NOVEMBER 05: Lamar Jackson #8 of Louisville reacts during the second quarter of a game against Boston College at Alumni Stadium on November 5, 2016 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
Lamar Jackson is headed to the NFL.
The Heisman Trophy will be presented to a new player in 2018 as the past two winners, Baker Mayfield and Lamar Jackson, are headed to the NFL. Of course, Baker is a senior, and thus has no collegiate eligibility left, but Jackson had the opportunity to return for his senior campaign.
However, the Louisville star announced on Friday morning that he's declaring for the 2018 NFL draft.
Here's his announcement:
"For the past three years, the University of Louisville, as well as the city of Louisville, has embraced me as one of their own. My time ion Louisville has produced some of the best memories of my life. I have had the pleasure of being on the presence of some of the best professors, coaches, advisers, training staff, athletes and fans in the nation. With their help I have been able to grow not only as a quarterback, but as a teammate, student, and most of all, as a man."
Jackson burst onto the scene as a sophomore, effectively wrapping up the Heisman during Louisville's 9-1 start. The only blemish? A 6-point loss to Clemson. The Louisville quarterback racked up over 3,500 passing yards and 1,500 rushing yards during his sophomore season, en route to the Heisman.
In 2017, Jackson not only replicated the same stats, he improved. Jackson threw for over 3,600 yards and ran for over 1,600 yards, finishing third in Heisman voting.
One of the most explosive players in the draft, scouts will surely suggest Jackson make a move to wide receiver in the NFL, if he struggles during the combine at quarterback. However, after the Texans' success this season by "unleashing" Deshaun Watson, teams could take a chance on Lamar's unique playmaking ability.
