Jackson Hits the Practice Field After Whirlwind Offseason
March 22, 2017 | Football
Cardinals wrapped up the second day of spring practice.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - University of Louisville junior Lamar Jackson is back at his happy place --- on the field.
After a busy offseason filled with banquets, and receiving many prestigious awards, the 2016 Heisman Trophy winner returned to the practice field this week as the Cardinals began spring practice.
Looking bigger and stronger, the Pompano Beach, Fla., native has not only grown from his time in the weight room, but also as a person.
"I feel mature," Jackson said. "I feel like I've grown into the system more this year. I am ready to play. Coach Nick (Petrino) is doing a great job of teaching me the plays and what the defense is trying to do to me."
With so much attention placed on him, and expectations even higher after winning college football's most prestigious trophy, Jackson could easily be overwhelmed with the all notoriety, but his passion for football could help him cope with the newfound stardom.
"I love to play football and the love of the game," Jackson said. That all I want to do. My teammates also keep me grounded. They crack jokes all the time. They are just like brothers, on and off the field. We have so much fun together."
After a busy off-season, Jackson spent a lot of time studying the game and trying to mold his game after some of the best quarterbacks. He looked at film of Aaron Rodgers, Matt Ryan and Tom Brady to see what nuances he could pick up to improve his game in 2017.
"They are all great quarterbacks," Jackson said. "I'm just trying to improve my game and try and learn from what they do."
Head coach Bobby Petrino stated in his recent press conference that he wanted his quarterback to be under center more this season. Spending most of his time in the shotgun a year ago, Jackson has embraced the fact the he could spend more time close to the center.
"It's new to me right now," Jackson said. "It's only our second day of practice so I'm just getting into it. I know I have a lot to do to improve, but I will get there. It's a lot different with my foot work and my drops so it will take some time to get used to."
Not only is Jackson coming off one of the greatest seasons for a quarterback at Louisville, but one of the best campaigns for a quarterback in college football history, but the 6-foot-3 signal caller know he has to improve.
"There are a lot of things that I can do to be a better quarterback," Jackson said. "I'm going to work very hard this spring and just continue to get better."
OF NOTE
New defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon announced on Wednesday that he has finalized position changes on his defensive staff. Sirmon will mentor the defense, but will also coach the outside linebackers. Lorenzo Ward will coach the secondary, while Cort Dennison will now mentor the inside linebackers. L.D. Scott will stick with coaching the defensive line.
Â
Â
After a busy offseason filled with banquets, and receiving many prestigious awards, the 2016 Heisman Trophy winner returned to the practice field this week as the Cardinals began spring practice.
Looking bigger and stronger, the Pompano Beach, Fla., native has not only grown from his time in the weight room, but also as a person.
"I feel mature," Jackson said. "I feel like I've grown into the system more this year. I am ready to play. Coach Nick (Petrino) is doing a great job of teaching me the plays and what the defense is trying to do to me."
With so much attention placed on him, and expectations even higher after winning college football's most prestigious trophy, Jackson could easily be overwhelmed with the all notoriety, but his passion for football could help him cope with the newfound stardom.
"I love to play football and the love of the game," Jackson said. That all I want to do. My teammates also keep me grounded. They crack jokes all the time. They are just like brothers, on and off the field. We have so much fun together."
After a busy off-season, Jackson spent a lot of time studying the game and trying to mold his game after some of the best quarterbacks. He looked at film of Aaron Rodgers, Matt Ryan and Tom Brady to see what nuances he could pick up to improve his game in 2017.
"They are all great quarterbacks," Jackson said. "I'm just trying to improve my game and try and learn from what they do."
Head coach Bobby Petrino stated in his recent press conference that he wanted his quarterback to be under center more this season. Spending most of his time in the shotgun a year ago, Jackson has embraced the fact the he could spend more time close to the center.
"It's new to me right now," Jackson said. "It's only our second day of practice so I'm just getting into it. I know I have a lot to do to improve, but I will get there. It's a lot different with my foot work and my drops so it will take some time to get used to."
Not only is Jackson coming off one of the greatest seasons for a quarterback at Louisville, but one of the best campaigns for a quarterback in college football history, but the 6-foot-3 signal caller know he has to improve.
"There are a lot of things that I can do to be a better quarterback," Jackson said. "I'm going to work very hard this spring and just continue to get better."
OF NOTE
New defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon announced on Wednesday that he has finalized position changes on his defensive staff. Sirmon will mentor the defense, but will also coach the outside linebackers. Lorenzo Ward will coach the secondary, while Cort Dennison will now mentor the inside linebackers. L.D. Scott will stick with coaching the defensive line.
Â
Â
Players Mentioned
QB
/ FootballThe Card Tape: Boca Raton Bowl
Friday, December 26
FB: Bush's Boca Raton Bowl Postgame Press Conference
Wednesday, December 24
The Card Tape: Kentucky (2025)
Monday, December 01
FB: Highlights vs. Kentucky
Sunday, November 30
