Introduction
Lamar Jackson, celebrated as one of the NFL’s most electrifying dual-threat quarterbacks, has a remarkable origin story—stemming from his collegiate success to his eventual entry into the pros. This article explores his journey through college, his college achievements, and the path that led to his selection in the NFL Draft.
1. Early Years & College Selection
Raised in Pompano Beach, Florida, Lamar Jackson starred at Boynton Beach Community High School, where he showcased both passing and rushing prowess—throwing for over 2,200 yards with 31 passing touchdowns, and rushing for more than 1,600 yards with 22 touchdowns.
Despite offers from programs like Florida and Mississippi State, Jackson committed to the University of Louisville, where coach Bobby Petrino assured him he would play quarterback.
2. College Career at Louisville (2015–2017)
Freshman Year (2015)
Jackson threw for 1,840 yards with 12 touchdowns and 8 interceptions and added 960 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns. This impressive performance earned him MVP honors at the Music City Bowl.
Sophomore Year (2016): A Breakout Season
This was Jackson’s defining year:
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Passing: 3,543 yards, 30 TDs, 9 INTs
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Rushing: 1,571 yards, 21 TDs
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Named Heisman Trophy winner—the youngest recipient at the time—and received Maxwell, Walter Camp, ACC Player of the Year, and ACC Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Junior Year (2017)
He continued his dominance with 3,660 passing yards, 27 TDs, and 10 interceptions; plus an extraordinary 1,601 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns—finishing third in Heisman voting.
Over his college career (2015–2017), Jackson amassed:
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Passing: 9,043 yards, 69 TDs, 27 INTs
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Rushing: 4,132 yards, 50 TDs.
Jackson’s college trajectory solidified his reputation as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in recent history.
3. The 2018 NFL Draft: When Was He Drafted?
Following his junior season, Lamar Jackson declared for the 2018 NFL Draft. Despite widespread collegiate success, four quarterbacks—Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, and Josh Rosen—were selected ahead of him. Ultimately, the Baltimore Ravens traded up to select Jackson as the 32nd overall pick (the final pick of the first round).
Concerns that held him back included scouts’ doubts over his long-term passing accuracy, decision-making, and durability in a more physically demanding league. Lamar Jackson college and draft.
4. Immediate Impact & Legacy
Though initially overlooked, Jackson quickly vindicated the Ravens’ decision. He took over as starting quarterback in his rookie year, leading the team to an AFC North title and becoming the youngest QB to start a playoff game.
He has since become a two-time NFL MVP (2019, 2023), reshaped QB rushing norms, and established himself as the leading all-time QB rusher. Lamar Jackson college and draft.
5. Summary Table
| Milestone | Detail |
|---|---|
| College | University of Louisville (2015–2017) |
| Freshman (2015) | 1,840 pass yd / 12 TDs; 960 rush yd / 11 TDs; Music City Bowl MVP |
| Sophomore (2016) | Heisman Trophy; 3,543 pass yd, 30 TDs; 1,571 rush yd, 21 TDs |
| Junior (2017) | 3,660 pass yd, 27 TDs; 1,601 rush yd, 18 TDs; 3rd in Heisman voting |
| NFL Draft | 2018, 1st round, 32nd overall pick by Baltimore Ravens |
| NFL Impact | Two-time MVP; franchise leader in rushing yards; youngest playoff-start QB |
6. FAQs
Q1: Where did Lamar Jackson attend college?
A: Lamar Jackson attended the University of Louisville, playing from 2015 through 2017, where he shined as a dual-threat quarterback.
Q2: Why did he choose Louisville?
A: Although offered by major programs, Jackson chose Louisville due to coach Bobby Petrino’s promise that he’d play quarterback—a pivotal factor in his decision.
Q3: What were Lamar Jackson’s major college achievements?
A: In his college career, Jackson won the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, and multiple ACC honors in his standout 2016 season, along with leading Louisville in numerous statistical categories.
Q4: When and how was Lamar Jackson drafted?
A: Jackson entered the 2018 NFL Draft after his junior year and was selected 32nd overall by the Baltimore Ravens in a trade-up deal.
Q5: Were there notable concerns about drafting Lamar Jackson?
A: Yes—scouts raised questions about his passing consistency, decision-making, and durability given his playing style. Some critics even suggested he should switch positions. However, Jackson has since disproved those doubts.
Q6: How quickly did he succeed in the NFL?
A: Jackson was named the Ravens’ starting quarterback during his rookie year and led them to a division title and playoff appearance, all while becoming the youngest QB to start a playoff game.
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