Heisman Hopeful: Jake Locker, Washington

Washington's Jake Locker will be one of the top quarterbacks in college football in 2010. AP photo.

First part of a series of posts highlighting Heisman hopefuls for the 2010 college football season.

After really popping up on the national radar last season and opting to stay in school for his senior season rather than be a potential top draft pick in the NFL Draft, Washington quarterback Jake Locker has a chance to do something never before accomplished by a Washington football player - win the Heisman Trophy.

Locker was already a fan favorite in the northwest corner of the country, at least by those who have a purple wardrobe, he was a relative unknown player flying under the radar until an early season upset of third ranked USC. Locker went 21-for-35 for 237 yards and guided Washington down the field for a game winning field goal as time was winding down. Though Locker did not throw a touchdown pass in the game he was heralded nationally for his poise and composure as the heavy underdogs defended their home turf against a USC team that been thought to make a national statement the previous week with a victory at Ohio State. Washington's 2009 season saw more losses than wins but the program, lead by Locker, appears to be heading in the right direction.

Last season Locker rebounded after missing most of the 2008 season with a broken thumb. Locker threw for 2,800 yards (3rd highest in school history) and 21 touchdowns (fourth in school history) for the Huskies and was a semifinalist for the Davey O'Brien Award. Entering the 2010 season Locker has officially been given the spotlight in the PAC-10 as one of the top players to watch. His spring game performance was less than inspiring (3-for-7 for 15 yards in four series) but nobody is ready to be alarmed by it at this time.

With a decent schedule placed in front of him Locker has a chance to put on a good showing early on in 2010. After a road game against BYU (who could be a Top 25 team) in the season opener Locker and the Huskies will take on Syracuse and Nebraska at home. If Washington can find a way to be 3-0 heading in to their PAC 10 opener at USC then Locker's stock will likely rise. Come out of the USC game with a victory and Locker could be on a non-stop trip to New York City for the presentation of the Heisman. Even a moderately successful 2010 season should keep Locker in the conversation when it comes to the most exclusive college fraternity.

Next: Ryan Williams, running back, Virginia Tech

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