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Louisville Expert answers questions about Lamar Jackson

By Chris Schisler

LOUISVILLE, KY - SEPTEMBER 30: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals runs with the ball during the game against the Murray State Racers at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY - SEPTEMBER 30: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals runs with the ball during the game against the Murray State Racers at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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4. What have Louisville fans learned about Jackson as a person? What kind of leader is Jackson? 

This kid is flat out special, that’s what we’ve learned. Whether it’s staying after games to talk to all the kids on the field, visiting hospitals on his only day off, joking around with his teammates, or just being himself on the biggest stage when he accepted the Heisman Trophy in 2016. The Ravens are getting a kid who is going to come in with a HUGE chip on his shoulder, hungry to get better, hungry to be the best quarterback he can be, and most importantly a quarterback who wants to win. You’ll never have to worry about off the field issues with Jackson, which in this day in age in the NFL can be rare. This is the type of person that you want as the face of your franchise for years to come.

My thoughts: That is exactly what I want to hear. Jackson sounds like a great person as well as a great player. Baltimore can use every player like this they can get. 

5. What are some of your favorite moments from Jackson’s career with the Cardinals?

How long you got? I can go on for days talking about some of the incredible things I saw Jackson do. People will look at the record of the University of Louisville over his two and a half years as the starting quarterback and say “why wasn’t his team better?” And that’s fair. However, this dude lead this team every single game, achieving things that have never been done. Whether it was scoring 8 touchdowns in one game, going on to win the Heisman Trophy, or hurdling over dudes on his way to the end zone. Every single time Jackson stepped onto the field, fans got to see his best, no questions asked.

Must Read: Baltimore Ravens: 5 takeaways from the 2018 NFL Draft

Now to answer your question:

My favorite memory of Jackson was the 2016 Florida State game. UofL moved to the ACC just a few years back, and had yet to beat FSU. Louisville had ESPN’s College Gameday come to campus for the first time ever and NO one expected Louisville to beat the second ranked team in the country. Behind Jackson’s 362 yards and 5 touchdowns, the Cards destroyed Florida State 63-20. It still feels like I was dreaming on that day.

A second favorite memory was the Kentucky game this past season. Baltimore fans may not know it, but the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville are just about an hour apart, and the fans & programs absolutely hate each other. Kentucky knocked off Louisville the year before, for the first time in forever and the game actually ended with a Lamar Jackson fumble. Lamar came out with an incredible intensity, one that Raven’s fans will soon see. The Kentucky team continued to try and pick fights with him, and get under his skin (he gave in a few times and actually got into some scuffles) but in the end he put up 372 total yards (216 passing). The best part? UofL never had to punt on their way to a 44-17 victory, as Jackson lead them on scoring drives each time he took the field.

My thoughts: Wow! Those are some good stories. That kind of ability is exciting.

6. On a scale of 1-10 how good do you think Jackson will be with the Baltimore Ravens? 

This is a very tough question to answer. Jackson will need to sit for at least one full season and learn how to be an NFL Quarterback and get stronger (his body isn’t ready for the physicality of NFL defenses just yet) before he’s truly ready to play, and I think Baltimore fans may get antsy and pressure the staff into playing him if Flacco struggles at all. If Jackson is able to sit and learn then I think he could be a 9, but if he’s forced into playing early and struggles, I think his chances of succeeding at a All-NFL level might diminish a bit. However, at the end of the day I think Jackson will end up developing into a franchise QB regardless.

Next: Baltimore Ravens report card: 2018 NFL Draft

Thank you to Big Red Louie and to Jacob Lane. The insight of Louisville’s most exciting player in recent memory is enlightening. That’s so A+ analysis from an A+ guy. Ravens fans, can it just be football season already? We are so ready for it.

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