Washington QB Locker to return
SEATTLE (AP) — Jake Locker walked into the football offices at Washington on Monday morning and quickly ended any lingering question about his future.
Touted as a potential top 10 NFL draft selection, Locker is putting his professional aspirations on hold and instead will return for his senior season and one more shot at helping restore the Huskies to prominence.
In a statement released through the university, Locker said he will not make himself available for the 2010 NFL draft.
“After a great deal of careful thought and deliberation, I have decided to return to Washington and play my senior year,” Locker said. “I am very excited about this team’s opportunities and potential for the upcoming season and I am looking forward to being a part of it.”
Locker’s decision is a major coup for coach Steve Sarkisian and a Washington program that showed signs of revival, going 5-7 this season after an 0-12 debacle in 2008. The Huskies won’t be trying to build on the momentum of their most wins since 2003 with a new quarterback.
“I think Jake feels like he’s got some unfinished work here at the University of Washington and I truly believe he wouldn’t have done this if he didn’t feel we were headed in the right direction,” Sarkisian said during a conference call Monday afternoon.
Due to final exams this week and the upcoming holiday break, the school said Locker would not be available for further comment until after the New Year.
SI.com
12/15/9
