It's easy to feel like theres literally nothing Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson can't do.
We've seen him dash up the sideline like a running back, and spin away from defenders like an agile wide receiver. One thing we haven't seen much of though? Jackson under center taking snaps like a traditional quarterback.
That will change in 2017-18.
"Lamar had a good spring," Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino said at the ACC Media Kickoff on Thursday. "We did work him more underneath the center. We wanted to get him comfortable doing that. In fact, the first week of spring ball we stayed under center. He can really drop back and throw it from under there."
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There are a few reasons this makes since for Petrino and the Cardinals' offense. The first? Heading into his third year as the starter, there is plenty of tape on the Louisville offense — focused largely around shotgun sets and read-option formations. Obviously teams struggled to contain Jackson even when they knew what was coming, but we saw LSU make the Heisman winner a non-factor in the Citrus Bowl.
If Petrino and company can get a nice slate of plays with Jackson under center — they will be unveiling brand new looks for their opponents.
I do also believe this has at least a little to do with Jackson's potential NFL future. Petrino isn't blind to the criticism about Jackson's mechanics — and the Louisville head coach has a rich background in molding traditional passers. Until Jackson, Petrino rarely had a mobile QB in his first 13 seasons.
If you're questioning my theory — it's fair — but hear me out. Why would a college coach ever alter his offense to help the future NFL career of one of his players?
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Jackson isn't just another player. This is a kid who has single-handedly turned Louisville into a household name on a national scale — and Petrino isn't blind to that.
I still think we will see plenty of Jackson doing the Jackson things we have become accustomed to, but don't be shocked to see him under center more than you ever have.
