Come saturday the Cougar defense better be locked on Jake till the gameclock reaches zeros all the way across. Locker was one of the most anticipated players in UW history and hasn't disappointed. As a freshman he threw for 2,062 yards and 14 TDs. Jake comes from a small town (much like Jan Jorgensen - Helper Utah pop 2,025) near Bellingham Washington called Ferndale. In the 2000 census there were only 8,758 living there. It was officially incorporated in 1907 but was originally called Jam because the town was located next to Logjam on the Nooksack River.Ferndale's team (the Golden Eagles) were led by Locker in 2005 to a perfect 14-0 record and state title. That year he threw 25 TDs 3 INTs and ran for 24 more TDs. Jake ultimately was also named the 3A state player of the year. In the title game itself Locker led Ferndale over Prosser with 4 TDs and 272 yards. The Golden Eagles finished 12th in the nation per maxprep. He was the first freshman to start ever under Coach Vic Randall (in a 21 year career).
Locker is amazing athletically gifted. During this last summer Jake even played outfield for the Bellingham baseball team (bats/throw RH). In 33 ABs he hit for a 273 average with a 424 slugging. ESPN even ranked Jake in the Top 10 List Of Most Indispensable Players In College Football (he came in at number 4). Oregon coach Mike Belotti said "He is in my opinion the most difficult weapon to defend against in division I football". Bronco mentioned "We will probably see, arguably, one of the best athletes at quarterback in the country this upcoming week".
Jake has incredible size with an elite athletic ability. He's built like an undersized linebacker. Locker has an excellent feel for the game. He makes phenomenal decisions with the ability to make the tough accurate throws. Jake is an agile elusive open field runner who's unafraid to take a shot yet strong enough to drag tacklers for that extra needed yard. Some have called him "The West Coast's Tim Tebow". This athlete can do it all who can hurt opponents through the air or on the ground. He is everything you would want in a tailback playing quarterback. Jake finished fifth in the Pac10 in rushing at 82.2 yards/game. The jerseys in blue must be able to apply constant pressure and key on him all afternoon.
2 comments:
I agree that Jake Locker is one heck of an athlete, but I think you may be giving him just a bit too much credit here.
Yes, he did run for nearly a thousand yards last year, but he also threw 15 INTs (compared to 14 TDs) and barely completed 47% of his passes.
Clearly he is much more of a threat on the ground than through the air.
And a new crop of receivers in 2008 (and I mean a brand new crop of receivers) won't help those numbers too much this year. Last week against Oregon, for example, Locker only completed 12 passes for about 100 yards.
But like I said, he is a great athlete on the ground, and running quarterbacks always need to be respected.
Adam-totally agree with you. I actually was aware the of the 15INTs 14TDs including the 47 percentage which taken all into consideration as a passing QB those are some serious absolutely horrible stats but I would rather not accenuate the negatives on an individual. In fact against Oregon wasn't Locker even pulled for Fouch (another Freshman)? That's not a positive sign at all if true.
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