Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield won the 2017 Heisman. He was a great choice. I’m not arguing that. Louisville’s Lamar Jackson was the 2016 winner and a finalist this year. Sometimes in losing you find out even more about more about an athlete. Louisville are and should still be very proud of Lamar Jackson.
It’s been a rough year for Louisville athletics, but Lamar Jackson has been a constant. Here was the 2016 Heisman winner, who made himself into an even better player in 2017. He completed a higher percentage of passes – 2016 : 56.2% to 2017 : 60.4%. He threw fewer interceptions and had a higher quarterback rating. Jackson even increased his average yards per rush by nearly a full yard.
Louisville’s 5-4 start effectively took Jackson out of the Heisman chase. Fair or not that’s what happens to players in the Heisman chase especially when the losses mount earlier in the season. We know his stats were better than last year, but some of things he did off the field were as impressive if not more so than what happened on the field. This is what I wrote on twitter earlier today.
Listened to a heisman interview of lamar jackson this week. Interviewer tried to bait jackson sort of suggesting the card d cost him a repeat. Jackson would have none of it. He’s a guy card fans I’m sure are proud of.
— Jeff or Jeffrey Fann (@TalkinACCSports) December 10, 2017
Jackson spent a solid minute defending his maligned defense. Here’s more…
In a week filled with Heisman responsibilities, he took the time to visit an elementary school.
Lamar Jackson has a message for the kids at the West End School #Heisman pic.twitter.com/b0m7jmQLQA
— LouisvilleFootball (@UofLFootball) December 6, 2017
This from one of the most respected people covering college football.
And of course need to congratulate @Lj_era8 for another great year. You have handled yourself with great class under almost unrealistic expectations. Great job this year my man and wish you all the best. #Heisman
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) December 10, 2017
I don’t know Jackson will return for his senior year, but if he doesn’t he leaves a tremendous legacy at Louisville. I have a feeling Mississippi State is going to be in for a long day against Louisville in their bowl game, as I’m expecting another big game from Lamar Jackson.
