2014 Offensive Player of the Year: Jake Browning

  The mind-boggling numbers alone tell the story of perhaps the greatest season and career that a high school quarterback has ever put together. But there is so much more than just numbers that make Jake Browning’s national- and state-record setting accomplishments truly special for anyone who was a part of, or witnessed, Folsom football in the last three years.

  “Several times after playoff games in which Folsom absolutely demolished teams, players from opposing teams””including defensive backs that had just given up multiple touchdowns on Jake Browning passes all night long””approached him just to shake his hand,” veteran Sacramento Bee preps writer Joe Davidson said. “Long after the game was over, guys would come up to Jake and tell him that it was an honor to play against him.

  “One player from Stagg even told (Browning) that he would tell his grandchildren someday about playing against him.” 

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  Browning’s 2014 season “” 5,790 yards passing and a national record-tying 91 touchdowns, while also setting the national record for career passing TDs at 239 “” was definitely a tale that will be spun for generations to come. While there may be debate as to whether the Washington-bound Browning is the greatest NorCal high school QB in history, there is no debate that the state will not soon see anything like Browning and Folsom’s 2014 season.

  “This season was an exclamation point on a great run for the senior class at Folsom,” CalHi Sports editor Mark Tennis said. “Playing 46 games in three seasons is insane and contributed to some of his stats, but you don’t play that many games unless you are extremely talented and have a great team around you.”

  Tennis pointed out past stars at quarterback in the state such as Del Oro’s Randy Fasani and Santa Margarita’s Carson Palmer as individuals that may have been the greatest QBs in California history based on size, arm strength and numbers. But the longtime journalist and keeper of state athletic records is certain that Browning’s 2014 numbers are unprecedented and not likely be matched.

  “He is definitely the greatest quarterback in state history statistically,” Tennis said. “And the only person who might come close to his numbers would be the next quarterback from Folsom or another successful school with an up-tempo offense that starts for three seasons.”

  Davidson did not hesitate to crown Browning as the “best high school quarterback I’ve ever seen,” but also credited Folsom’s star with other unparalleled attributes.

  “Not only is he the most prolific player in national history, but he’s probably the most humble athlete this area has ever seen,” Davidson added. “He genuinely speaks about the importance of his teammates and coaches and is sincere when he says that the friendships and memories from his football career are more important than any numbers.”

  Those numbers should stand for some time, and so will the memories of his greatness.

“” Jim McCue