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Louisville Football: What does Lamar Jackson still have to prove?

By Collin Wieder

Dec 31, 2016; Orlando , FL, USA;Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs out of the pocket against the LSU Tigers during the second half at Camping World Stadium. LSU Tigers defeated the Louisville Cardinals 29-9. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Orlando , FL, USA;Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs out of the pocket against the LSU Tigers during the second half at Camping World Stadium. LSU Tigers defeated the Louisville Cardinals 29-9. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Lamar Jackson from the University of Louisville wins the Heisman Trophy at Playstation Theater. Mandatory Credit: Todd J. Van Emst/Heisman Trust via USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Lamar Jackson from the University of Louisville wins the Heisman Trophy at Playstation Theater. Mandatory Credit: Todd J. Van Emst/Heisman Trust via USA TODAY Sports /

Final Points

I harped on a lot of Jackson’s problems over the last three pages, but bottom line he’s on another level athletically. He’s a Heisman Trophy winner and one of 19 players all-time to record 5,000 or more total yards in a single season. He’s also the leader in terms of most rushing yards factoring into his 5,000-yard season.

He’ll go down as one of the greatest players in college football history, but he isn’t without faults. If he can make the jump in year three, Louisville has a shot to compete for a major bowl and possibly a national title.

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Head coach Bobby Petrino wouldn’t be in this position in his second Cards’ tenure unless he had Jackson. He does, and it’s easy to see why people think they could compete for a title.

If the Cardinals can finish stronger in 2017 than they did in 2016, Jackson will not only prove that he’s a player who can carry his team, but he’s also a winner with a leader’s attitude. This kid is special, but he still has plenty to prove on the field.

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