Johnny Stanton appreciates the comparisons with Tim Tebow - but much like Tebow endures, Stanton often fields questions about being a better fit somewhere other than QB.[details]
Notes: Engaged. Father and three uncles played football at Western Washington. Jake was a Parade All-American and an exceptional multisport star at Ferndale High, a Washington prep football hotbed. On the gridiron, spent four years on varsity - played cornerback as a freshman (was the first freshman in 21 years to start for coach Vic Randall), then doubled as a "Wing-T" quarterback and safety for three years. Led his nationally ranked team to an undefeated state championship season as a senior when he earned Washington Player of the Year honors by passing for 1,603 yards, rushing for 1,338 and accounting for 51 touchdowns. Also displayed rare talent on the baseball diamond where he was considered a five-tool outfield prospect and boasted a mid-90s fastball as a pitcher - skills that earned him state baseball player of the year laurels, as well. Out of high school, was drafted in the 40th round by MLB's Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and reportedly would've garnered a seven-figure contract had he not informed baseball scouts of his commitment to college football. Ultimately committed to the Huskies and then-head coach Tyrone Willingham, becoming the most significant UW signee in recent memory by spurning offers from the likes of USC, California, Stanford, Michigan and Tennessee, among others. Redshirted in 2006. Took the reins in '07, starting all 12 games played and completing 155-of-328 pass attempts (47.3 percent) for 2,062 yards (a UW freshman record) with 14 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Ranked fifth in the Pacific-10 in rushing by carrying 172 times for 986 yards (5.7-yard average) and 13 touchdowns and had a 15-yard reception. In the process, set a Pac-10 record for rushing yards by a quarterback. Sustained a helmet-to-helmet hit against Oregon State and sat out against California (neck). Suffered a partially torn left hamstring during '08 fall camp, but started the first four games and managed 50-93-512-1-0 (53.8) through the air with 56-180-3 (3.2) on the ground before breaking his right (throwing) thumb attempting to execute a block against Stanford. Underwent season-ending surgery in which pins, screws and plates were inserted. Playing for first-year head coach Steve Sarkisian in '09, started all 12 games and tossed 230-394-2,800-21-11 (58.4). Added 112-388-7 (3.5) rushing. Suffered a right thigh bruise against Oregon State. Started all 12 games played in '10, passing 184-332-2,265-17-9 (55.4) with 114-385-6 (3.4) rushing. Dealt with a thigh bruise and broken rib in October (did not play against Oregon). Two-time team captain. Played 10 games for the Bellingham Bells of the West Coast Collegiate Baseball League during summer '08 before being drafted again by the Angels in the '09 MLB draft, this time signing a contract (the Angels hold his baseball rights for six years). An anonymous baseball scout quoted in Baseball America said Locker "could be a potential Hall of Famer," though the QB has reaffirmed his commitment to football throughout his athletic career. Had a 15-25 career starting record, including a 3-0 finish to position Huskies for a bowl berth and a revenge win over Nebraska. Graduated.
Positives: Excellent arm strength - zips the ball with velocity and can turn it over fast. Extremely tough - played behind a marginal offensive line, continually took a beating and showed he would deliver with the rush bearing down. Outstanding athletic ability, quickness and speed. Plays with a sense of calm and shows poise in critical situations - see last-minute, come-from-behind TD drives directed against USC the last two years. Can buy time with his feet, avoid the rush and create. Runs hard, will drop his shoulder and barrel through linebackers for the first down. Highly competitive team player with terrific intangibles. Articulate, hardworking, grounded and passionate about the game. Very effective dual-threat weapon in the red zone - recorded a 7-1 TD-INT ratio and three rushing TDs inside the 20 in three games charted. Excellent character and upside.
Negatives: Lacks quarterbacking instincts and an innate feel for the position. Struggles to read defenses and is not comfortable or confident working through progressions - too often forces the ball into coverage inside and outside the pocket and must grow as a decision maker. Very average 54 percent career completion percentage is reflected in his play - often throws when his feet are not set, overstrides, spins loose wobblers and throws behind his target. Was overwhelmed with responsibilities in a pro-style offense and not quick to see or react to the blitz, really struggling with pro-style pressure packages in two contests vs. Nebraska. Accuracy diminishes greatly moving to his left. Did not progress as a senior. Lure of baseball remains a potential distraction.
Summary: A four-year starter who regressed in his second season in Steve Sarkisian's West Coast offense, Locker is best operating on the move outside the pocket and would fit most ideally into a rollout, vertical offense. Possesses terrific toughness, competitiveness, athletic ability and intangibles and all the physical traits to step onto the field immediately in the pros, but will have a steep learning curve and be best served waiting in the wings under the thumb of a patient coach where he can sit and learn for several years how to avoid running his favorite, fallback Fran Tarkenton drill, continually flying out of the pocket and improvising. Immense upside could allow him to be drafted more highly than he grades on tape.
NFL projection: Late first-round pick.
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