Even though Jackson won the 2016 Heisman Trophy, even though he threw for 57 touchdowns against 19 interceptions over the past two seasons.
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Former Louisville quarterback and Heisman Trophy victor Lamar Jackson is out to set the record straight. “I do have a guy”. “I play the quarterback position”.
LSU connection: Receiver D.J. Chark of Louisiana State is a fast, 6-foot-3 receiver who could be attractive to the Bills if he lasts to the middle of the second round.
The combination has occasionally led the blurring of lines between excitable celebration and unsportsmanlike conduct. He says his mother is his manager, though, “I been managing myself”. “Some people don’t like that because it’s rare these days”.
“That’s not cockiness, it’s just confident”, he said. What better way to do that than to raise questions about Jackson’s draft fortunes, either by stoking the “he should play receiver” fire or by creating the impression that he’s not being honest? USC’s Sam Darnold has to answer queries about his ball security and why he’s not throwing at the National Football League combine this weekend like the other prospects.
The buzz began building when former Colts executive Bill Polian told ESPN he thought Jackson should switch to receiver because he’s not as accurate, tall or strong as the other hopefuls in this year’s deep class of college quarterbacks. Having Carson Wentz in place as the franchise quarterback as well as Nick Foles as his backup is a pretty good deal for Philadelphia. “I did”, he said. “I’ve just got to show off my arm – because that’s where they’re doubting me”. “They say what they want to say”. Jackson may not be a traditional QB, but he is by all means, a quarterback, even if he does carry a major risk. He’s one of the best athletes in the upcoming draft.
And he will be playing quarterback.
Chargers General Manager Tom Telesco, who said the team is evaluating quarterbacks this offseason like any other, said Jackson’s tape is some of the most enjoyable to watch. He played in a Louisville offense designed by former Falcons coach Bobby Petrino with plenty of pro concepts. All you have to do is ask.
Jackson had to answer questions in front of the media on Friday of whether or not teams think he should move to wide receiver, whether or not he would entertain the idea, and what he thought about the idea in general.
As for the height question, Mayfield cited some success stories before finishing: “If you want to see anything else, I’ve got three years of tape to prove it”. “It’s still just feels unreal”. “I don’t know where that comes from”.
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“… I think if he’s going to make it, he’s going to make it as a quarterback in the right situation”. It’s always going to be with us.
