When elite college athletes have the challenging decision to either turn pro or return to college, most decide that a 9 AM psychology class isn’t worth the money they would be turning down. When Stanford’s quarterback Andrew Luck, and next years Heisman favorite, decided to return to The Farm for his senior season few people were surprised. With the CBA negotiations in full swing and a possible NFL lockout on the horizon, Luck will be one of the few who’s decision to return to school will not affect this draft status. As Andrew’s dad, Oliver Luck who is the athletic director at West Virginia, told the Victor and Matt show on why his son returned to Stanford, “Two factors: one being his desire to earn his degree. The second one is the respect and bond he developed with his cohort, the guys that came in with his class. They all committed to Stanford with they were 1-11 and struggling. Andrew feels real close to those guys.”
Andrew Luck
Houston Texans and USC Heisman winner Matt Leinart decided to return to school and take the infamous “dancing” class to earn his degree. What Leinart got was another year for NFL scouts to notice his flaws and in the end, his draft status fell. Fellow Pac-10 quarterback, Washington’s Jake Locker had the opportunity to be the No. 1 pick in last years draft, but decided to return to school. Locker left millions of guaranteed money on the table, and has dropped on Mel Kiper, Jr.’s big board.
Why will Luck be different than Leinart and Locker? Simple, he is the hottest prospect to come out of college since John Elway. The scouts drool over all the NFL type throws, his high IQ in the pocket, his awareness to elude the rush and his overall knowledge of the game. Another year in college will allow Luck to improve his skills and give college fans another opportunity to watch a special player. Even with the departure of Jim Harbaugh to the NFL, with any Luck, Stanford will be one of the top football teams next season and contend for not only a Pac-10 championship, but another berth in a BCS game.
To hear the full interview with Oliver Luck listen to our latest (2.9.11) podcast show. Also, please follow our show (@victorandmatt) on Twitter.