Mark Long
Associated Press
–
Head coach Urban Meyer announced his decision on Wednesday, handing the keys to the kingdom to Lawrence at the expense of three-season veteran Gardner Minshew.
Lawrence was selected by the Jaguars first in the last NFL Draft. He had shared the rehearsals with the first unit of the attack with Minshew since the start of the camp. Meyer wanted to see “healthy competition” in all positions, including quarterback.
Still, just about everyone except possibly the Minshew clan expected Lawrence to be the Jaguars’ starting quarterback to start the season. Lawrence is one of the top prospects of the past decade and he has outperformed Minshew on every level during the camp.
Meyer added that Lawrence will get the start in the team’s final preseason game Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys.
“It doesn’t really change much,” Lawrence said. We have the same task ahead of us. We need to improve individually and as a team. I just can’t wait to work this week. It brings some clarity, which is good. But concretely, that does not change much. ”
Lawrence completed 20 of his 32 passes for 184 yards in two preseason games, two losses. He conceded three sacks and led his team to just one field goal in six offensive streaks.
“It’s frustrating, but we have to stick together and keep working together,” Lawrence said. We will eventually understand things. I am confident that we will achieve it. All the guys are putting their shoulders to the wheel. ”
Lawrence compiled a 34-2 record at Clemson University. He concluded his college internship going undefeated in the regular season and leading the Tigers to the national title in his first season in 2018.
–
