Indianapolis Colts QB Philip Rivers is having a great start to the 2020 season with his new team.
But he’s not the only one impressing the Colts.
Word has it that rookie Jacob Eason’s work ethic is getting positive reviews.
Word from the Colts' facility: Encouraging start for rookie QB Jacob Eason, who's been consistently staying late for extra workouts and film review w/ position coach Marcus Brady. Remember, Eason looked strong at the end of camp, even wowing Philip Rivers with a few throws.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) September 28, 2020
Eason was selected by the Colts in the 4th round of the 2020 NFL Draft (122nd overall).
Indy looking toward the future? 👀
Colts take Washington QB Jacob Eason in the fourth round of the NFL draft pic.twitter.com/NnEK0RiXDI
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 25, 2020
Before we go any further, let’s be clear.
There is no QB controversy in Indianapolis.
It is unlikely Eason will see any playing time in 2020, but 2021 could be a different story.
Rivers signed a 1 year $25 million dollar contract for this season.
And his backup QB Jacoby Brissett is in the final year of his contract also.
Eason’s Training Camp
Jacob Eason has approached his role with the Colts with the right attitude from the beginning.
At training camp in August, he said:
“It’s a new and unique challenge. I’m very fortunate to be in this spot in the position I’m in. Like I mentioned before, I’m taking it a day at a time trying to learn everything I can, trying to compete every day and stay consistent. Really, we are going out here to practice, meeting and doing these things so often that for me it is taking it all in and trying to learn as much as possible to make myself a better player.”
#Colts starting QB: Philip Rivers, on Jacob Eason:
"He made a throw the other day, I shook my head and said, 'I can't do that. I can't make that throw'." pic.twitter.com/gl0HWVZeHT
— Lawrence Owen NFL (@Colts_Law) September 2, 2020
Who Is Jacob Eason?
Background
Eason is a native of Washington state and was regarded as a five-star recruit in the 2016 class.
His father is one of the two notorious Tony Easons who played football.
Jacob’s father is the Tony Eason who played wide receiver for Notre Dame in the mid-1980s.
But he is frequently confused with the Tony Eason who was the quarterback of the New England Patriots also in the 1980s.
Jacob Eason’s College Career
College Selection
Because he was the top QB in the nation, Jacob Eason had his choice of college programs to play for.
They included: Florida, Miami, Alabama, Florida State, Michigan, and his dad’s alma mater Notre Dame, to name just a few.
In the end, he chose the University of Georgia.
Eason came in during the first game of the 2016 season and after that was named the starter for Georgia in their second game.
He threw for 2,430 yards and 16 TDs with 8 INTs during that first season.
Eason’s 2017 season was shut down quickly as he was injured in the first game and was ultimately replaced by Jake Fromm (Buffalo Bills) after his recovery.
Transfer
He decided to transfer to the University of Washington; that decision required him to sit out the entire 2018 season.
Eason played a spectacular 2019 season for the Huskies.
He threw for 3,132 yards and 23 TDs with 8 INTs.
Because Eason really only played 2 full seasons of college football, he is in a great situation with the Colts.
Watching and learning from likely future Hall of Famer Philip Rivers is a good way to get familiar with the NFL.
