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2018 NFL Draft, quarterback stock report: Sam Darnold on the rise

By Sayre Bedinger

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans makes a pass during the second quarter against the Texas Longhorns at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 16, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans makes a pass during the second quarter against the Texas Longhorns at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 16, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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LOUISVILLE, KY – SEPTEMBER 16: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals runs the ball for a 30-yard gain in the first quarter of a game against the Clemson Tigers at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY – SEPTEMBER 16: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals runs the ball for a 30-yard gain in the first quarter of a game against the Clemson Tigers at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

The eyes of college football fans were collectively on Lamar Jackson and the Louisville Cardinals as they took on a very talented Clemson team, defending its national title.

Jackson was not good in this game, to be blunt about it.

He flashed some of the NFL caliber skills we have seen throughout the year, but he completed just 50 percent of his passes and threw his first interception of the season.

I continue to be amazed at the number of hits Jackson takes that the coaching staff at Louisville calls for on designed quarterback runs.

There’s no denying Jackson’s traits. He has unbelievable arm strength and athleticism, but he let way too many balls sail on him in this game and struggled against probably the most talented defense he will face this season.

After two weeks of his stock going up, it took a hit against a good opponent.

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