Andrew Luck Returns To Stanford

Andrew Luck followed in the footsteps on Sam Bradford and Peyton Manning today. It isn’t often that the top college prospect decides to head back to school, however, Luck has never been your typical prospect. Andrew Luck was the lock to be the first overall pick in the draft and he will pass that up to go back to school and finish his degree.

Luck could possibly be the best quarterback prospect we’ve seen come along in quite some time. When it came down to the money or the experience of college, Luck said he would miss college too much and that was the biggest factor in his decision.  Many will criticize Luck for turning down the millions of guaranteed dollars, but when you face the facts… he didn’t need the money.

There is also the fact that the CBA is going to be up and there could be a work stoppage. There is no guarantee that a rookie wage scale won’t be in place by the time the draft rolls around this year, which means there is no guarantee that Luck is giving up that $50 million figure you hear.

Will returning to school hurt Luck like it did Jake Locker? Absolutely not. Luck already has shown he has the NFL arm, the NFL smarts, and now he has proved that he has a level head on his shoulders. Most athletes seem to be in a rush to start their NFL careers, but Luck will use the patience that he shows in the pocket and let his NFL career develop. Another year to tighten up his mechanics and another year of experience in a pro-style offense will never hurt anyone. Sure, he is risking injury. What college player isn’t?

It was a good move for Luck. He can make a run at the National Championship next season and complete his college resume. He already established himself as a once in a decade prospect and while he will be under a microscope next season, he should use his skills to prove what we already know. Andrew Luck will be a special NFL quarterback. His career will just be starting a year later than anticipated.