So, last night, while enjoying a peaceful nights rest, and knowing that I did not have to get up for work again until January 4th, I had the "Locker Dream". Now many of you know I get these dreams from time to time(the "Larry Johnson will be a Redskin" dream and the "We will draft Trent Williams" dream). Some of these dreams are good, some not so good, but you know me; I always like to share. So without further ado, here is the Locker Dream.
Let me preface this by telling you that, at some point in this dream, I swore I heard Shanny's voice telling me how he likened Jake Locker to John Elway. Maybe thats why I woke up with wet sheets. I must have really been laughing that hard.
Anyways, The dream took place at the draft in New York City. I was there with friends, and must have been drunk off my rocker. I just remember the announcer saying that the Redskins, with the 10th pick in the draft, had selected Jake Locker, quarterback from the University of Washington. I saw locker walk up on the stage, and accept a #1 burgundy jersey from the commish; then everything went blank. Thats when I heard the unknown voice that resembled Shanny's, promising that he would do everything in his power to draft Jake Locker, and turn him into the next John Elway. So, of course when I awoke, I needed to reasearch the similarities between the two QB's during their early days of football, so I could piece together this baffeling puzzle.
Lets start first with Elway.
John Elway was born in 1960 in Port Angeles, Washington(this is our first clue). He stands 6-3 and weighed 215 pounds(this is our second). He was a two-sport star in high school, excelling in both baseball and football(this is the third clue). Elway was drafted out of high school by the Kansas City Royals. He choose to continue his academic and atheletic career at Stanford where he played both football and baseball.
During his time at Stanford, Elway played in 43 games for the Cardinal football team, completing 774 of his passes, for 9349 yards and 77 touchdowns, with a 61.2 completion percentage. He had a career record of 20-23. He finished second in the Heisman voting in 1982, and he was drafted number one overall by the Colts. Elway refused to play for the Colts, and instead threatened to play professional baseball(he was drafted in the second round by the New York Yankees - another clue). The Colts, seeing the writing on the wall, eventually decided to trade him to the Denver Broncos, where he went on to star.
Elway was know for his arm strength, leadership on the field, and excellent running ability. Although his collegiate completion, and winning percentages weren't knocking any GM's over, pro scouts saw the raw ability he had, and decided to take a chance on developing him(even more clues). It turned out to be the right chance for the Broncos.
Now on to Locker.
Jake Locker was born in 1988 in Bellingham, Washington(how many good QB's can you say were from the state of Washington? - Wait, it gets better). He stands 6-3, and weighs 225 pounds(starting to get the picture?). Locker excelled in both baseball and football in high school(wow, sounds similar to someone else). He chose to continue his academic and atheletic career at The University of Washington, where he was a star on a below average Huskies football team. In his collegiate career, Locker played in 35 games(8 less than Elway), and accounted for 614 completions, for 7583 yards and 53 touchdown, with a 57% completion percentage. He also added 1856 yards rushing and 28 touchdowns. So, imagine if Locker would have played in 8 more games at Washington. His career passing numbers could look like this: 9240 yards, 70 touchdowns, with a 57% completion percentage(look familiar to someone?). Locker was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 10th round of the 2009 MLB entry draft(again, sound familiar?).
Locker is know as a very gifted athelete, with a very strong arm, and the ability to run. Some have likened him to a less accurate Steve Young. His leadership, and intangibles are well above average.
OK, now all kidding aside, I am by no means saying that Jake Locker should be mentioned in the same breath as John Elway. You all know I like to kid around, and some will take this the wrong way, but you will notice some similarities. The real question is, will Mike Shanahan think he can mold this kid, who possesses some of the same characteristics, into the next John Elway. Well, if dreams are any indication, I wouldn't bet against him.
Merry Christmas to all, and happy dreams of the future for the Washington Redskins.