Jake Locker Signs with the Angels, but Sticking with the Dawgs

Jake Locker signed a contract with the Angels this past weekend, but don’t worry, he’s still focusing purely on football:

“It was just an opportunity that presented itself and it was something I didn’t believe would take away from me as a football player here, I want to play football and that’s what I’m going to put my focus into, and the Angels have been great with me, worked with me, and they understand that and we’ll go from there.”

Jake Locker was the Angels’ 10th-round pick in the June draft. The Angels will hold the baseball rights to Jake Locker for 6 years. It’s a gamble, especially considering his football potential. Angels Director of scouting, Eddie Bane, commented: “He’s going to play football, but he’s an incredible baseball talent. He has Kirk Gibson-type skills with a good arm.”

Jake received a $150-$300k signing bonus which will easily pay for his in-state tuition for the next two years and frees up a scholarship for the UW football team. Smart move by Jake and interesting gamble by the Angels. More proof that Jake is an immense physical talent, but I still think football is his true calling. Hopefully the next two years will land Jake a NFL job instead of the MLB job that is now his solid backup plan.