USC needs a new quarterback now that Sam Darnold is entering the NFL Draft, and Jake Olson, the team’s blind long snapper, showed off his arm on Twitter.
While everyone focuses on the fact that Sam Darnold is leaving USC and entering the NFL Draft, the main topic of debate is where the quarterback will land in the first round in April. However, no one has thought about another important piece of discussion: who will replace Darnold under center?
There are a few options for the team to consider, with some redshirts and incoming freshmen gaining some attention in the potential debate. However, one other player on the team has decided to “throw” his name into the hat, and that’s the team’s long-snapper Jake Olson.
Olson, who gained some fame for his success as a long-snapper despite being blind, posted a video on Twitter, showcasing his arm and accuracy in his own “QB Tape.” Olson made some incredible throws for someone fighting some serious obstacles, and made a good case for himself to go from playing center to going under center.
Officially entering my name into the 2018 QB competition! @USC_Athletics @USCCoachHelton @FinkMattfink @jtdaniels06 pic.twitter.com/4n0FP0Qore
— Jake Olson (@JakeOlson61) January 22, 2018
Obviously Olson won’t be taking over the quarterback responsibilities for the Trojans anytime soon, and the school is big enough to get some serious talent at the position if they search hard enough. Either way, the video was a fun one for Olson to make light of both his situation and the team’s.
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USC will have a big void to fill with Darnold leaving the team, as the program went 20-4 in its two seasons with Darnold in uniform. They took home a conference title in the Pac-12 and a Rose Bowl with the future NFL quarterback at the helm, and it’ll be interesting to see if they can replicate that same success with a new name on the roster.