Locker looks good at EA SPORTS Elite 11

Ferndale (Wash.) quarterback Jake Locker had a strong week of practice at the recent EA SPORTS Elite 11 quarterback camp. Locker got better every day and won an award as voted by the counselors following the last workout as the most improved player in the camp.

Much like when we had Texas quarterback Vincent Young at the Elite 11 four years ago, Locker looked good all camp long but was never able to showcase what he does best on the field, running around and making plays. Now we're not trying to compare anyone to Young but just making a point that the Elite 11 is designed to improve how a quarterback throws and just as much where he's throwing the ball.

Where Locker shines is in pads and when a play breaks down, he's the guy you want running your team. Locker is a tremendous athlete with the ability to make something out of nothing better than any other quarterback in the national class. He showed this week however that he can sling it as well and has the physical tools to be a big time college quarterback.

Locker has a strong arm and throws a nice deep ball but said there are a couple of things he would like to work on.

"I think I definitely need work on my drops and my accuracy," Locker said. "I've learned so much this week though and I've had a great time. We run the Wing T at my school so a lot of this is all new to me. We're going to be putting in the shot gun this year so that should be fun and I'm excited for our season to get going."

Along with quarterback, Locker is also a very talented safety and surprised some of us this week when he said he would have no problem playing on that side of the ball.

"I'll play wherever the school I choose wants me to play," Locker said. "There are times when I like the idea of being the guy doing the hitting rather than the guy being hit but I love quarterback too and will play wherever I'm needed."

On the recruiting front, Locker plays things pretty close to the vest and said he has still a large list of schools he's considering.

"I'm going to take an unofficial visit to Oregon State this weekend and I'm hoping to narrow my list down sometime in August," Locker said. "Right now, I'm considering every school that has offered me which is basically all of the Pac 10 plus Michigan and Tennessee. I'm still trying to figure out if I'll take my trips or commit early, I really don't know.

"On one hand, I think it would be great to have the decision out of the way before the season so I won't have any distractions but at the same time, I think I'll need to take some official visits so I can see what else is out there before I decide what I want to do. I do know I want to play baseball in college as well as football so that could play a small role in my decision as well."