It's rare that the reigning Heisman Trophy winner doesn't come into the following season as the most hyped player at his position, but that's exactly the spot Lamar Jackson found himself in heading into the 2017 campaign.
All the talk was about Sam Darnold and how he was the favorite to win the Heisman, or Josh Allen being a potential top-10 pick, or what Josh Rosen could do once he was healthy.
Nobody was talking about Jackson. The Louisville quarterback became almost an afterthought, perhaps because the Cardinals lost their final three games last season as Jackson's torrid pace dipped slightly. Or maybe because Jackson wasn't viewed in the same category as the aforementioned three when it comes to being an NFL prospect.
Whatever the reason for ignoring Jackson, it's clear he took notice. The junior appears to be a man on a mission this season and is proving it by playing like the nation's best player once again.
After combining for nearly 500 yards of offense last week against Purdue, Jackson went off again Saturday versus North Carolina. The Louisville pivot torched the Tar Heels for nearly 400 yards through the air and three touchdowns, as well as 132 yards rushing and three scores. This made Jackson only the second player in FBS history to throw for 300 yards and rush for 100 yards in consecutive games.
Jackson also made sure to fill up the highlight reel. He showed how routine he can make a spectacular play look, by effortlessly avoiding the pass rush and throwing a long touchdown.
Just Lamar Jackson making difficult look easy again. Watch him escape, keep eyes downfield & deliver a strike. Two angles of same play here. pic.twitter.com/gDFgOoR4nK
— Rob Rang (@RobRang) September 9, 2017
Then he used his wheels and embarrassed multiple North Carolina defenders in the process.
Lamar Jackson doing Lamar Jackson things. Broke some ankles with that crossover pic.twitter.com/1p7wPfj6mT
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) September 9, 2017
Instead of enjoying the praise this offseason after capturing the Heisman, Jackson spent much of it trying to prove he could be a good NFL quarterback. The Cardinals revealed they were going to use Jackson under center to help him prepare for the pros and he also had to answer questions if he was going to change positions when he eventually works out for NFL teams.
It's very apparent that Jackson's play is answering any questions anyone may have about him following last season.
If the best player in college football isn't deemed good enough to play quarterback in the pros, it's the NFL's loss.
