Also, Jackson isn't comparable to Peyton Manning or Cam Newton. The closest comparable to Jackson is Mike Vick.
Jackson is a QB but what if, while he is sitting behind the #1 QB and learning an NFL offense, he could help his team as a slot back or 3rd down back? Like what the Steelers did with Kordell Stewart way back when. If he is asked to play slot back or RB in a limited role is whoever his HC is going to get a call from Mom? Its like RG the 2nd pumping Griffin's head up with notions he was the next Aaron Rodgers.
Oh it was safety that they wanted to use him at in high school. I remembered that wrong. It still doesn’t change this quote from the same article:
Thomas had to sell momma first, though. Louisville had to promise that Jackson would be a quarterback-only. The first time Thomas met Felicia Jones, he did all the talking, and she stared at him without saying a word. He says they laugh about that now.
Thomas’s word wasn’t enough, however. Jones needed to hear it from Petrino. So the coach walked into her home and promised that her son would play quarterback-only and have a chance for significant playing time as a true freshman. Jackson was on his way to joining the Cardinals.
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Petrino had agreed to their conditions so it makes sense that they called him out on it when he reneged. That’s called holding up your end of the bargain as head coach and recruiter - not dealing with a selfish player.
Also, how much time did Vick get at RB, WR, Saftey, punt returner or wherever? Or any other successful NFL QB? The fact is that the successful ones don’t switch between positions. Jackson shouldn’t have to either until it’s proven that he’s not NFL QB material. I’m willing to bet that he winds up being a very good one - but that’s just me.
The head coach or Snyder or anyone doesn’t need a call from Felecia Jones either, it’s clear that their camp is not interested in Lamar playing other positions so that’s part of the upfront conditions of drafting him. It’s also a big reason why the Redskins most likely won’t draft him even if he’s the best player on the board. Viewing it from the Jackson/Jones perspective I think it’s totally reasonable - especially given the statistics that suggest mobile, black QBs are often asked to switch positions way more than their white counterparts.
I think Lamar Jackson will be better than RG3, and I’d personally bet on him if I were an NFL exec. I guess we’ll find out sometime in the next few years...