The most exciting player in college football is headed to the NFL. Lamar Jackson announced he will forgo his senior season at Louisville and pursue the pros.
Jackson announced the decision with a post on Twitter, thanking his coaches, teammates and the fans.
“After much discussion with my family and coaches, I have made the decision to take the next step in my career and enter the 2018 NFL Draft.”
He ends a sensational two-year run as the full-time starter, which included winning the Heisman Trophy in 2016 and earning a third-place finish this season.
Jackson amassed 9,043 yards and 69 touchdowns as a passer throughout his Louisville career and improved his quarterbacks skills each season. He particularly made a difference on the ground, though. Jackson shredded defenses for 4,132 yards and 50 scores.
However, that production hasn’t guaranteed interest at the top of the NFL draft. Scouting departments will be concerned with his slender build and inadequate footwork in the pocket.
Every quarterback will be picked apart in the pre-draft process, and Jackson especially will be dissected. He’s a passer first and playmaker second, but the latter skill is his greatest asset.
Jackson will compete with Josh Rosen, Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, Josh Allen and Mason Rudolph for a Round 1 draft slot.