Blaine Gabbert

Blaine Gabbert (born October 15, 1989) is an American football quarterback drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Missouri Tigers, and declared himself eligible for the 2011 NFL Draft after his junior year. He was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft, with the 10th pick overall.

Early years
Gabbert was born in Ballwin, Missouri and attended Parkway West High School, where he played high school football. He recorded 623 passing yards and five touchdowns as a senior, despite an injured foot that limited him to four games. As a junior, he posted 1,523 yards and 20 touchdowns (on 119-of-231 passing) and also added another 458 yards rushing and 8 TDs. In his sophomore season, he threw for approximately 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns as a first-year starter. He was named the number one quarterback heading to college by pro college scouts.

College career
Coming out of high school in 2008, Gabbert was considered a major college recruitment prospect. Rated as a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, Gabbert was listed as the number 1 pro-style quarterback in the nation. He initially gave a verbal commitment to the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers, but rethought his decision after head coach Bill Callahan was fired. He eventually committed to the University of Missouri Tigers.

Missouri coach Gary Pinkel decided not to redshirt Gabbert his freshman year, but instead play him as the third-string quarterback behind Chase Daniel and Chase Patton. Gabbert had a strong debut in 2009, throwing for 313 yards with three touchdowns in the air and another one on the ground against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the annual Arch Rivalry. In January 2011, Gabbert announced that he will forgo his senior year to enter the 2011 NFL Draft.

Professional career
On April 28, 2011 Gabbert was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft with the 10th overall pick. Jacksonville traded up six spots with the Washington Redskins to select Gabbert. On July 28, 2011, Gabbert officially signed his contract to play for the Jacksonville Jaguars. The deal is worth $12 million over 4 years.