For almost every college football player, the dream is to make it to the NFL. That's been true forever, but only a small percentage really make it a reality. Washington Huskies quarterback Jacob Eason understands the challenge, and he's ready to make it happen.
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Although he still has one year of eligibility left in Seattle, Eason, the former Georgia Bulldogs quarterback, has decided to leave college early and enter the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Las Vegas Bowl win over Boise State — the UW game with head coach Chris Petersen at the helm — was officially his final game.
Washington QB Jacob Eason Declares for 2020 NFL Draft
A former five-star recruit at Lake Stevens High School, Eason always had strong NFL potential. The journey there, however, has been a roller coaster.
Eason started as a true freshman for Georgia, completing 55 percent of his passes for 2,430 yards with 16 touchdown passes and eight interceptions. He lost his starting job the following season to freshman Jake Fromm and left once the year was over.
After sitting out a year due to NCAA transfer rules, Eason dazzled as a passer back in his home state, completing over 65 percent of his passes for 1,449 yards and 11 touchdowns this season.
"Playing this season for the University of Washington has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. UW has given ben an incredible opportunity to develop as a football player and a person, and I am forever grateful and honored to be a Husky.
"After contemplating my future with my family and coaches, I have decided to forego my 5th year of college and enter the 2020 NFL Draft. The opportunity to play quarterback in the NFL has been a lifelong dream, and my heart is set on the challenge ahead.
"I am so thankful for the continuous love and support of my family and friends on this journey together. I'd like to thank Coach Peterson, Coach Luke, Coach Hamdan, Coach Huff, as well as the rest of the coaching and support staff at UW for giving me the opportunity to return home and be a part of this special program.
"Thank you to everyone at the University of Georgia who gave a kid from Washington a chance. To all of my teammates, the bond and memories we've created are something I will cherish forever. You inspire me to be my best.
"My experience as a student-athlete has been special and I am eternally thankful... Go Dawgs!
— Washington Quarterback Jacob Eason
Eason's college career is now over and it will be interesting where he lands. LSU's Joe Burrow, Alabama's Tua Tagovailoa and Oregon's Justin Herbert are all believed to be first-round picks, but perhaps Eason can work his way up draft boards at the NFL Combine.
The next level is where he wants to be, and his dream is about to come true.
