We have had a lot of e-mails asking specific questions regarding Jake’s plans with baseball & how it will affect his football future. There have been a lot of articles written on the subject, and most say the same thing: Jake’s priority is football and that won’t change. To the few opposing Pac-10 fans that e-mailed us their well wishes in baseball, keep the celebration to a minimum; Jake isn’t leaving UW until he accomplishes his goals on the football field.
As he and his dad Scott have reiterated, this year is a different situation since he was taken so high by the Anaheim Angles in the MLB draft (10th round) compared to when he was drafted out of high school (40th round). And, because the contract would provide the Angels with 6 year rights to Jake should he eventually choose to work towards a professional baseball career, the 6 years would give him a chance to enjoy the final 2 seasons of college football and ample time to pursue his NFL aspirations. With significant financial implications and an option to work with a great franchise like Anaheim, it gives Jake a one of a kind opportunity if pro football doesn’t work out as hoped.
As long as Jake does not hire an agent–he plans on having his father be his main representation when discussing details with the Angels–he is and will remain eligible to play his final 2 football seasons at U.W. He would, however, be released from his scholarship if an agreement was reached but most likely the cost of college would be compensated through the professional contract.
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times does a great job of answering a lot of your questions here and provides comments from Scott Locker as well. If we get an opportunity to ask Scott or Jake some additional questions, we will post them at our earliest opportunity.