The University of Washington should be relieved that quarterback Jake Locker signed a professional baseball contract with the Los Angeles Angels because it could potentially free up another scholarship.Locker, a 10th round pick of Los Angeles, confirmed Saturday night that he has agreed to terms on a deal and likely will receive a signing bonus. Because of that he will need to relinquish his scholarship to retain his amateur football status, giving coach Steve Sarkisian another coveted scholarship.
Locker said he will play his final two seasons for the Huskies and may pursue the NFL. Baseball, something he played in high school and during college summers, is merely a fallback.
For now, Locker is working feverishly to resurrect a program that sunk to a low point last season with an 0-12 record. Locker missed the final eight games with a broken right thumb. The running-style quarterback is completely healthy and has taken snaps as the No. 1 quarterback in spring and fall drills.
The Huskies open the 2009 season Sept. 5 against LSU.
