So the current score is Steve Sarkisian 1, Pete Carroll 0.
The current USC coach was unable in January to talk quarterback Mark Sanchez out of leaving school early. The former USC offensive coordinator and current Washington coach has managed to persuade quarterback Jake Locker to return for another season.
John Taylor of CFT has the details.
Though we’re big proponents of guys who are playing for free graduating to the play-for-pay level of the sport when all indications point to the next level wanting, maybe Locker is making the right decision. He probably could use more experience in Sarkisian’s pro-style offense. Also, if the expected crush of underclassmen entering this year’s draft thins out the 2011 draft pool, it could be even easier for Locker to get to the front of the line next year.
Still, we generally think that a college football player owes no duty to his school or his coach to stick around once the NFL comes calling. We can understand why the coaches want to keep their players — it helps the coaches keep their jobs and/or get raises and/or land better jobs.
That’s the very kind of self-directed thinking that men who play an inherently violent sport are allowed to apply to themselves when the time comes to decide whether to keep helping the coach’s family, or to help his own family instead.
Wow! I am shocked. This guy was a top 5 pick in alot of mock drafts. I really dont know what he is thinking. What if there is a rookie cap as a result of a new CBA? He could miss out on tens of millions. Thats an expensive price to pay for experience. I think he is just as experienced at running a pro-style offense as Freeman was this past year, and Locker would have been picked much higher than Freeman.
More than half the people that quit school to go to a pro sport never go back to finish their degree –
Professional sports need to change the rules so that these kids are encouraged to finish school, not be a quitter!!!!!
Two words: DUMB ASS.
Maybe he owes it to himself and his family to have a degree. Did that ever dawn on you? Maybe if he is bust as football player as alot of high draft pick QB’s have been he’ll still have career choices. Get your head out of your rear.
Technically, he’s not playing for free. He has been paying his own way since he signed a contract with the Angels last summer. He did this to free up a scholarship spot for UW.
Technically, he’s not playing for free. He has been paying his own way since he signed a contract with the Angels last summer. He did this to free up a scholarship spot for UW.
It’s not a choice between something and nothing. Locker can still do the smart thing and buy insurance, so he doesn’t have as much risk as you make out.
I know that Tim Tebow did this (you can read about it here if you want. According to the article the premiums are deferred until the player signs an NFL contract, so this should be available to any top player, regardless of how much money he or his family have.
That way Locker could enjoy a final year of college play, sharpen up his game, and still be protected against injury.
Technically, he’s not playing for free. He has been paying his own way since he signed a contract with the Angels last summer. He did this to free up a scholarship spot for UW.
yeah florio, pete was a whiny puss about sanchez, but guess what? he was absolutely right. sanchez went to early, pete knew it, and he made it known. pete was right. sanchez needed another year. people can say i am wrong, but he has sucked so far, and i am one of his fans.
Technically, he’s not playing for free. He has been paying his own way since he signed a contract with the Angels last summer. He did this to free up a scholarship spot for UW.
Get his degree? LOL. Numerous players have gone back to get their degree, but a guaranteed $35-40 million or so staring you in the face RIGHT NOW is never to be blown off. Ask Matt Leinart, ask Bradford.
The fact that a rookie wage scale could be in place in 2011 truly makes Locker the dumbest of dumb asses. Someone certainly sold this kid a bill of goods.
Locker will be a superstar in the NFL just by his action of staying … it’s not about the money.
Technically, he’s not playing for free. He has been paying his own way since he signed a contract with the Angels last summer. He did this to free up a scholarship spot for UW.
Yes Jake could’ve made a ton of money going out this year….. Or maybe he wouldn’t. Brady Quinn is a prime example of a Quality Quarterback that got stiffed at the draft.
Plus, comparing Jake to a QB who is leading a 1-12 Bucs is hardly strengthening your argument.
Another year of a pro-style offense will do nothing but help him. And frankly I am relieved on many levels. Being a UW alum I wanted him back b/c he’s Jake F’n Locker, but I didn’t want to see him get drafted with super high expectations only to get harped on b/c he wasn’t NFL ready out the gate.
I understand everyones arguments for criticizing his decision but it bothers me that people forgot what college was meant for— education and discipline. Companies rarely care what your degree is in, they just want to see that you had the dedication and knowledge to get one.
Part of the reason this country is in shambles economically is b/c everyone wants the get rich quick road…….
Thank you Jake for being that guy to see things through- you are a role model already.
Very, very stupid move. Did he see what happened to Tebow, Bradford, and all of the other seniors that came back. Passing up being a top 5 overall pick in the draft in 2010? Stupid.
Blowing it big time…What a fool. I can see it now. First game next year he blows out his ACL.
Why stay? He will be the #1 or #2 pick to the Rams. Plus next year there will be a rookie salary cap. He is passing up on millions of dollars.
Wow, and he is getting an education….His major is definetly not economics.
I still don’t understand how Locker can/ could be considered a top 10 pick in this years draft… he can barely throw the ball with accuracy in college?
You know maybe part of his decision to not enter the draft is because he seen some of the potential teams that he might end up with…. just sayin
I think Mr. Locker should schedule a lunch date with Mr. Bradford. I’d like to be a fly on that wall. Take the money and run. A million things could happen between this year and next.
StevieMo and RavensFreakoo(and you’d have to be ….),
Bad decision? Only from the perspective that football is about getting paid more than it is playing the game. I have the pleasure of living in Seattle, and from everything I’ve heard Mr. Locker cares more about Football than he does money.
The kid needs another year. It’s more obvious if you watch his games. Sure he has a TON of talent but he has very few polished Pro skills. I bet Jake wants to be more of a McNabb than he does a JaMarcus.
That’s the kind of guy I want on my team. One who plays for the game ala Peyton. Not one who plays for the Bank…
Since when did fans care more about player money than they did weather or not the players they had were actually decent?!?
MontlakeCutter
This a huge win for the NFL and a big Loss to Locker and his family. He just donated about 15 mill to the NFL.
There will be a rookie wage scale in 2011. So when hes draft he will probly make 15 million less then he would have if he got drafted next year. So b/c I dont think he will be a good qb in the NFL he will play through his rookie contract and then get a contract for a veteran minium around 2016.
So b/c he will be no good and b/c I think there will be a rookie wage scale. He will lose out on all of the money he could have connd from an orginazation next year and then get a minium contract if any after his rookie deal is over.
So by the end of everything he will probly lose out on 15-20 million dollars b/c his college coach is selfish. And I guess Locker deserves it if hes that stupid not to realize why everyone at Washington wants him to stay.
News Flash Locker they want you so they can keep THEIR MONEY coming in. Not because they think it will help you make more money in the future.
An NFL draft guru weighs in:
http://www.draftcountdown.com/blog/Wright-Stuff-Blog.php#dec15