Lions coaches sing the praises of their young QB
Let’s see how far the uber-talented quarterback can take this thing
It’s hard to put this in perspective because Jonathon Jennings has risen so far, so fast that the accepted standards for measuring young quarterbacks are largely irrelevant.
One minute, he’s a completely anonymous third-string rookie. The next, he’s the face of the B.C. Lions and the saviour of the franchise. One minute, he’s the guy running the scout team in practice. The next, he’s inviting comparisons to most outstanding players and Hall of Famers.
Jennings is 24. He has played basically the equivalent of one full CFL season and over that time he’s thrown for 5,312 yards, which would have placed him second in the league in 2015, and 30 TD passes, which also would have ranked second.
I mean, the kid is special, but anyone who can read the top line of the eye chart can see that. The real question about Jennings — and it’s one of the most intriguing in this province’s sports landscape — is where can he take this thing? Where will he be in two years? In four years?
Right now, he’s a young thoroughbred who’s exploring the boundaries of his potential, but what will he be when that process is complete? Will he be a guy who makes the Lions competitive? Or will he be the man who makes them a champion? It’s all out there for Jennings, as are the impediments which stand between any player and greatness and that’s what makes him such a fascinating character.
“He’s a quality, quality player and I want to make sure he grows in the right way,” says Khari Jones, the Lions’ offensive co-ordinator. “I’ve seen it; a lot of young guys in this league who might have had the skill set to play, but weren’t ready for everything that comes their way. Jon is pretty special because he can handle the things on and off the field and that’s rare.
“He’s got that thing you like in a quarterback. We can nurture that and help him along and that’s what keeps me excited.” Along with the Lions’ fan base. It’s easy, of course, to become overheated about Jennings and his future because young quarterbacks can fool you. And if you doubt that for a minute, here are two words that should shock everyone back to reality. Casey Printers. But there’s also something about the kid from Columbus, Ohio, and the way he carries himself that makes you think injuries are the only thing that can derail his career path. Lions coach Wally Buono coached Doug Flutie, Jeff Garcia, Dave Dickenson and other all-timers in his five decades in the Canadian game. Jones is a former MOP who spent a decade in the CFL as a quarterback and another seven years as a coach. Both acknowledge Jennings has the physical tools to be a great quarterback, but when asked about the qualities that separate their guy, Buono and Jones go right to the intangibles.
“It’s his ability to stay level-headed,” Jones said. “He doesn’t carry a bad play into the next play. He has all the other stuff and everyone can see that, but that’s such a hard thing for young guys.”
“He doesn’t get rattled during the game,” Buono said. “He doesn’t get rattled in practice. He always responds in a positive way. He works hard, he’s intelligent, he doesn’t take it for granted. But the thing you want to see in a quarterback is composure and he’s got that.”
Jennings, in fact, isn’t the most colourful cat in the Lions room, but that’s the point. He’s a film nerd who loves talking football with Jones and Travis Lulay. He’s also grounded, hard-working and as dependable as the mail man.
As for his demeanour, he seldom registers emotion on the field, but Buono cautions there’s a fire that burns inside Jennings. You hear the same things about some of hockey’s most celebrated leaders: Yzerman, Sakic, Crosby. And here’s another trait Jennings shares with those greats. A quote machine he ain’t. “I don’t want to say anything I’ve done has surprised me,” Jennings said. “I just want to say I’ve been fortunate and blessed to be given this opportunity.”
He’s asked if he thinks about this future and where he’ll be in another couple of years.
“For sure. You always have goals and a place you want to be, but you get there day by day. You just have to make sure your short-term goals are in line with your long-term goals.”
Bo Levi Mitchell, as things transpire, is the CFL’s best quarterback. But at 26, the Calgary Stampeders QB is two years older than Jennings and had two full seasons as a backup before he took over the starter’s job in 2014. Behind Mitchell, there’s a second tier that includes Edmonton’s Mike Reilly (31 years old), Ottawa’s Trevor Harris (30), Winnipeg’s Matt Nichols (29) and Hamilton’s Zach Collaros (28).
Right now, Jennings rates toward the higher end of that group. He’s also at least four years younger than all of them.
“He loves the game, which is great,” says Jones. “Not everyone loves the game like that. Not everyone takes the time to be as good as they can be.”
And right now, time is on his side. That and so much more.