Preseason College Football- Heisman Trophy Contender #6: Jake Locker
Continuing our countdown of the top 10 Heisman Trophy candidates for the upcoming season. I should point out that the six remaining candidates were much more difficult to rank than the preceding candidates because there are not near as many question marks surrounding their status as a contender for the prestigious award. This year, the race is really wide open as there is no real overwhelming favorite, despite the fact that last years winner is returning.
Heisman Trophy Contender #6
Jake Locker- QB, University of Washington
2009 Statistics
Passing: 230-394, 2800 yards, 58.4%, 21 TD, 11 Int, 233.3 yards per game
Rushing: 112 att, 388 yards, 7 TD, 3.5 ypc, 32.3 ypg
Career:
Passing: 5374 total passing yards, 36 TD, 26 Int
Rushing: 1554 total rushing yards, 23 TD
Jake Locker will go into next season as a legitimate favorite for just about every offensive award that he will be eligible for. He is also considered a lock to be selected in the top 5 in next years NFL Draft, and arguably the first overall pick after deciding to remain in school for his senior season. A pocket passer with great mobility, he is reminiscent of a young Elway more than any other player in recent memory. And like Elway, his team’s overall record may prevent him from ever winning the Heisman Trophy.
Locker’s career numbers are mind boggling, especially when one considers that he missed basically his entire sophomore season due to injury. The Pac-10 Freshman of the Year in 2007, Locker showed no rust last season after missing most of 2008, throwing for 2800 yards and 21 touchdowns, while rushing for nearly 400 yards with 7 scores.
There isn’t a whole lot to add, at this point. There aren’t any criticisms that can be made about his game. He’s a great football player and he won’t be judged on his play, but on that of his team. Although the Washington Huskies are expected to be much improved in their 2nd full season under HC Steve Sarkisian, they will need some results if they want Locker to be included in the Heisman debate at the end of the year. Traditionally, great players on bad teams usually find themselves on the outside looking in. If Locker wants more than just a customary invite to the Heisman ceremony, his team must improve on it’s 5-7 record from a year ago.