Jake Locker unsure when he’ll start, but likes weapons on Titans’ offense
Jul 22, 2011, 2:02 PM | Updated: 2:06 pm
By Jacob Thorpe
Special to 710Sports.com
One player who can’t wait for the NFL lockout to end is Titans rookie Jake Locker. The former University of Washington star quarterback and No. 8 pick in this year’s NFL draft joined the Kevin Calabro Show on Thursday to talk about why he’s so excited to don the pads at the highest level for the first time.
For starters, Locker believes he has a lot to work with on offense.
 Former Husky quarterback Jake Locker was the eighth overall pick in the NFL draft. (AP) |
“They’re really good up front and they’ve got a great running game,” Locker said of a Titans offense that’s headlined by three-time Pro Bowl running back Chris Johnson. “When you’re able to [have] that, if you happen to have a young quarterback those are two of his best friends.
“So that’s very exciting, to be able to come into a football team with an emphasis on the run game like they have and an emphasis on being as solid as they are up front.”
One key weapon for Locker could be enigmatic wide receiver Kenny Britt, who was arrested in June for the second time in three months. Britt, Tennessee’s first-round pick in 2009, led the Titans with nine touchdown catches last season, and could be one of Locker’s best assets on the field.
“Everything that I’ve heard about him is that he shows up and plays really hard … he’s a very talented football player and a guy that I’m looking forward to working with,” Locker said.
Coming out of Washington, Locker was regarded as a superior talent who would need some time to work on his accuracy and adjust to the speed of the NFL game. He understands that there is a possibility, if not a probability that he won’t begin the season as the starter. It’s well known that the Titans will aggressively pursue a veteran quarterback in free agency so that Locker can ease his way into the NFL.
For his part, Locker understands the Titans’ motives.
“I haven’t had the opportunity to play at this level yet, so I don’t know,” Locker said. “Both [scenarios] have things that you are able to take away from them and allow you to grow as a player. Whatever situation I do go into I’m looking forward to it and looking forward to growing as much as I can, no matter what situation it is, and just becoming a better player and being ready when I really get my opportunity to take over a team and be a starting quarterback.”
