Report: Washington QB Jake Locker, A Likely Top Pick, Will Return For Senior Year

Jake Locker, Quarterback for the University of Washington and perhaps the highest-rated quarterback prospect in college football this past season, will return for his season, according to ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit. While Locker's name may not be among the biggest in college football -- overshadowed by college stars like Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy -- his combination of size, arm strength, and mobility had him pegged by scouts as the likely number-one overall pick had he decided to leave Washington this year.

Just today, draft expert Todd McShay picked Locker as the prospect most likely to go in the NFL draft's top slot. The Seattle Post-Intelligencier reports:

As University of Washington quarterback Jake Locker is pondering whether to enter the NFL draft, one noted draft analyst has come out with him as the No. 1 pick on his early mock draft.

Todd McShay, an analyst for ESPN.com, has the St. Louis Rams choosing Locker with the first selection based on current NFL standings.

Much can change between now and the April draft, of course, including a decision by Locker about whether he'll stay at Washington for his senior season. That choice must be made by Jan. 15.

And indeed, it appears that decision has been made, and teams like the Rams will have to wait a year to get a chance at landing someone of Locker's caliber. And for Washington, a program building on the momentum under upstart head coach Steve Sarkisian, having Locker back to anchor their attack next season is sure to help boost morale, not to mention recruting.

Does this mean Jimmy Clausen's likely the top quarterback prospect, and some team will desperately, tragically strain to make him into a franchise savior? Why yes, yes it does. The Cleveland Browns are almost on the clock.