WHO: Lamar Jackson
YEAR/POSITION/SCHOOL: Junior QB, Louisville
BIO: The Pompano Beach, Florida, native started seven games as a freshman before taking over the position for good last season. Last year, he became the youngest Heisman Trophy winner at age 19. Jackson has led Louisville back from a 1-4 midyear slump in ACC play and the Cardinals (8-4) have earned their eighth consecutive bowl appearance.
KEY STATS: Has passed for 3,489 yards and 25 touchdowns and rushed for 1,443 with 17 TDs. Leads FBS in total offense per game with a 411-yard average. Needs 26 rushing yards and 126 passing to become the second NCAA player with 4,000 and 9,000 for his career, respectively.
THE SKINNY: The reigning Heisman Trophy winner is the first NCAA player in FBS with at 3,000 yards passing and 1,000 rushing in consecutive seasons. Jackson’s statistics are close to last season, and he has become more of a pocket passer. His completion rate rose from 56.2 percent last season to 60.4 percent this year. Most importantly, he and Louisville are riding a three-game winning streak, a big turnaround from the three-game slide that ended last season.
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