Louisville Quarterback Lamar Jackson Wins the Heisman Trophy



Fifteen months in the past, Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson commenced his university profession in the least award-worthy manner viable.

On the primary play of the Cardinals’ 2015 season opener, in opposition to Auburn, Jackson lined up as a strolling back for a trick play. The quarterback split out in motion, and Jackson took the snap as a substitute, rolling to his right and underthrowing a double-covered receiver. The bypass changed into corralled by way of an Auburn shielding back.

Jackson had thrown his first interception — on his first play.

On Saturday, earlier than becoming the primary Louisville participant to win the Heisman Trophy, Jackson recalled that second. Acknowledging that he had been fearful he would throw an interception, he said that as he walked off the field, he couldn't wait for Educate Bobby Petrino to call his number again.

“Educate were given to position me back available,” Jackson recalled questioning. “I realize I’m going to do something now due to the fact I got it out of the manner.”

Petrino did stay with Jackson, and Jackson did extra than simply something: He have become the youngest participant to win the Heisman Trophy, given to the maximum incredible participant in university football.

Jackson, a sensational sophomore from Pompano Seaside, Fla., received 2,144 overall factors and 526 first-location votes, beating out the junior Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson, who had 1,524 points and 269 first-vicinity votes. Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield, a redshirt junior, finished third, accompanied via his pinnacle receiver, the redshirt senior Dede Westbrook. Jabrill Peppers, Michigan’s do the whole thing junior linebacker, finished 5th.

At 19 years 337 days, Jackson was 5 days more youthful than quarterback Jameis Winston became while he gained the Heisman in 2013.

For much of the season, Jackson changed into regarded because the Heisman favored, reinforced by way of a breakout overall performance against the Florida Kingdom, Winston’s former group, on Sept. 17. Jackson accounted for five touchdowns and 362 total yards in a 63-20 disappointed of the Seminoles, who were ranked 2d at the time.