Jermaine Kearse

For all of the knocks that Jake Locker took for his inconsistent accuracy while at the University of Washington, it was clear that he had a favorite target in Kearse. A two-time Second Team All-Pac-10 pick, Kearse enters his senior season without Locker, but potentially in position to enjoy greater success as defenses will now be focusing on stopping another pro prospect in junior running back Chris Polk rather than the Huskies' passing attack. Kearse paid immediate dividends for the Huskies, playing in all 12 games as a true freshman and finishing second on the team with 20 catches for 301 yards and two scores. His totals leapt in 2009 as emerged as a starter, leading the team with 50 catches for 866 yards and eight touchdowns. He took yet another step as a junior, turning in one of the more statistically impressive seasons by any receiver in Washington history with 63 receptions for 1,006 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. Among those scores were game-winners against Oregon State (overtime) and rival Washington State. Kease has a legitimate NFL combination of size and speed, but has been plagued by drops and inconsistecy as a route-runner throughout his career. He has the physical talent to rate among the top senior receivers in the country, but will need to take yet another step to capture that status.

after the catch

Arguably his best trait. Boasts a legitimate NFL combination of size, strength and speed. Possesses a burst of acceleration and good straight-line speed to rack up yardage after the catch. Good vision and patience to set up and follow his blocks. Can elude defensive backs with his agility, while also flashing the physicality to break free from would-be tackles.

route running

Has enough vertical speed to challenge the defense, but may lack the quick feet and body control to create consistent separation on routes that require it. Settles into his breaks rather than exploding out of them. At his best where he can use his speed and size to creat openings (slants, crossers, verticals). Has the talent

intangibles

Perhaps as a reflection of Locker's inconsistencies, Kearse scored nine of his 12 touchdowns in three games -- including a school record four scores against Oregon State (three against Syracuse, two against Washington State). Was shut down by Nebraska in each of the two games they played. Caught only one pass for four yards in the Holiday Bowl...

hands

Flashes the ability to be a big-time receiver, but struggles with drops. Can extend and pluck outside of his frame, demonstrating the ability to make the highlight reel reception, but too often attempts to make a move on the defender before adequately securing the football, allowing passes into his chest and others than simply slip through his hands. Even worse, some of his drops came at critical moments last year (BYU, Arizona State). Competes well for the ball, timing his leap and high-pointing passes in jump ball situations. Can track the ball over either shoulder.

release

Has the straight-line speed to challenge cornerbacks deep so is often met with zone or man-off looks, but struggled when challenged with physical press coverage last season (Nebraska). Has to improve the strength and quickness of his hands, as well as show better lateral agility and balance off the line of scrimmage to gain a free release. Too often ran around the jam, gaining freedom but only after eliminating whatever timing he had with the quarterback.

blocking

Flashes physicality as a downfield blocker, but is inconsistent in this area, as well. Too often appears content with just sealing off the defender, rather than actively working the block. Has the build to improve significantly in this area if he made it more of a priority.

Named PrepStar and Superprep All-America

caught 54 passes for 903 yards and eight scores as a senior

along with fellow UW signee Kavario Middleton, led Lakes to a 10-1 record as a senior in 2007

helped team to a total record of 30-4 over his three seasons, including three trips to the state tournament

named his league's defensive MVP with 89 tackles, six interceptions and two blocked kicks

played in the U.S. Army All-American game

named to the 3A all-state first team by the Associated Press

made the Seattle Times all-state team as a defensive back

one of just four Washingtonians who picked up votes in the Long Beach Press-Telegram "Best in the West" rankings

one of only six players named a "blue chip" prospect by the Seattle Times

one of only nine players named a "Northwest Nugget" by the Tacoma News-Tribune, which also placed him on its Western 100 team

the state of Washington's No. 5 football recruit, according to Rivals.com, which also rated him the No. 72 receiver in the nation

Scout.com ranked him the No. 4 recruit in the state, the No. 32 receiver in the nation, and the No. 180 prospect in the country

listed by Superprep as the No. 37 wideout in the country and the No. 7 recruit in the state of Washington

totaled 3,500 yards and 39 touchdowns during his high school career

averaged 15 points per game in basketball and led Lakes HS to the state championship game

selected to play in the Cloud 9 Washington Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Association All-State game

as a junior, earned all-league honors as a safety and kick returner, helping the Lancers to a 9-2 record

team went 11-1 his sophomore season, making it to the state quarterfinals

a key member of the basketball team at Lakes

a standout on the track team as well

took second in the triple jump (45 feet, 6.5 inches) and was part of a third-place 4x100 relay team at the state championship meet as a junior in 2007

earned all-league honors in track

coached in both football and track & field by Dave Miller.