Jaguars officially name Lawrence starting QB for Week 1

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer announced Wednesday that Trevor Lawrence will be his starting quarterback for the 2021 season, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Lawrence was widely expected to start for Jacksonville after being drafted first overall this year. However, Meyer had recently said the position was open, with Gardner Minshew still in the mix.

Lawrence entered the NFL as one of the most coveted prospects in history. The rookie signal-caller posted a 34-2 record through three seasons at Clemson while tossing 10,098 yards and 90 touchdowns against just 17 interceptions. He also helped the Tigers reach two national championship games, winning one title.

Lawrence is the focal point of the Jaguars' big rebuild after they've finished last in the AFC South in each of the last three campaigns. The 21-year-old will have an exciting supporting cast at his disposal in running back James Robinson and wide receivers DJ Chark, Laviska Shenault, and Marvin Jones. Jacksonville also drafted Travis Etienne in the first round this year, but the tailback recently suffered a season-ending foot injury.

The Jaguars' first-string offense has struggled this preseason, managing just three points in the first halves of two games. Lawrence completed 20 of 32 pass attempts for 184 yards while being sacked three times in those contests.

Jacksonville is set to open its 2021 season on the road against the Houston Texans on Sept. 12.

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