Jake Browning: A High School Football Phenomenon
Jake Browning’s name resonates in the annals of high school football, not merely as a good player, but as a transformative force in the sport. The current quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals carved out a legacy at Folsom High School in California that may be unparalleled in the history of prep football. His high school career was so extraordinary that it redefined the benchmarks for future quarterbacks and players alike.
Unprecedented Records at Folsom High
Browning’s tenure as a varsity quarterback spanned three remarkable seasons, during which he amassed statistics that seem almost mythical. Despite not stepping onto the varsity field as a freshman, Browning’s impact was immediate, and his record-setting performance left an indelible mark on high school football.
His impressive high school statistics, sourced from MaxPreps, are as follows:
Sophomore Year
Pass Completions: 391
Pass Attempts: 605
Completion Percentage: 64.6%
Passing Yards: 5,248
Passing Touchdowns: 63
Junior Year
Pass Completions: 440
Pass Attempts: 579
Completion Percentage: 76.0%
Passing Yards: 5,737
Passing Touchdowns: 75
Senior Year
Pass Completions: 360
Pass Attempts: 524
Completion Percentage: 68.7%
Passing Yards: 5,790
Passing Touchdowns: 91
Career Totals
Pass Completions: 1,191
Pass Attempts: 1,708
Completion Percentage: 69.7%
Passing Yards: 16,775
Passing Touchdowns: 229
In his senior season alone, Browning averaged a staggering 5.7 touchdown passes per game. He had two standout performances where he threw eight touchdown passes, and in three other games, he recorded seven. Despite his prolific passing, Browning’s rushing attempts were minimal, totaling just 62 carries for 110 yards and 13 touchdowns throughout his high school career.
Folsom High School enjoyed significant success during Browning’s final year, clinching the CIF State D1 Championship with an undefeated record of 16-0.
Record-Breaking Achievements
Browning’s high school records are a testament to his exceptional skills on the field. According to MaxPreps, he holds several national records, including:
Career Passing Yards: 16,775
Career Completions: 1,191
Career Attempts: 1,708
Career Passing Touchdowns: 229
He also shares the record for the most touchdown passes in a single season, throwing 91 in his senior year.
Highlight Reel of a Legend
For those eager to witness his talent, Browning’s high school highlight reel showcases his arm strength and precision. After dominating at Folsom, he took his talents to the University of Washington, where he enjoyed considerable success, including a sixth-place finish in the Heisman voting during his standout 2016 season.
Though Browning entered the NFL as an undrafted player, he has established himself as a reliable backup and is now given the opportunity to shine as a starter. His journey from high school prodigy to professional athlete serves as a reminder that great talent, when coupled with dedication and hard work, can rewrite the narrative of what is possible in sports.
