We’ve seen Sophomore quarterbacks succeed in college football before. However, none have shined as bright as Louisville’s Lamar Jackson, who has made an early case for the Heisman Trophy.
At only 19 years of age, Jackson has taken the college football world by storm. His electric play has been the catalyst for Louisville’s early season success. Over the course of two weeks, the Cardinals have scored 132 points, Jackson has accounted for 91 of those, and has done so in a variety of ways.
There’s a great collection of Division 1 quarterbacks that have the ability to pass and run effectively. Jackson might be the best of the bunch, though, and it’s not even close.
Just on the season, Jackson has rushed for 318 yards and six touchdowns. He’s Louisville’s leading rusher, beating out second-leading rusher Brandon Radcliff by almost 150 yards.
While the rushing ability has everyone awestruck, it’s his passing that will make him a star at the next level. Jackson has passed for 697 yards, including a 75-yard bomb to wide receiver, James Quick, on the opening possession of Louisville’s dominant win over Syracuse. Also, Jackson has accounted for seven touchdowns through the air.
One will make a case that Louisville has yet to play any top competition. The real test will come in week three, as Louisville battles Florida State, and then two weeks later when they take on Clemson. That’s when he determine the Heisman chances of Lamar Jackson.
But for now, Jackson and Louisville can feel proud of the work they have done. As it stands, they are undefeated and feature one of the most deadly offenses in all of the college football. Lamar Jackson has certainly put himself on the National radar. Let’s just see if he can keep himself there all season.
Follow Daniel James Gentile on Twitter @dgentleman9288