Andrew Luck's Return to Stanford: Five Reasons He is Making Right Choice

Andrew Luck shocked the NFL and every NFL Draft prognosticator in the country when he announced he was coming back to the Stanford Cardinal for his red shirt junior year. Luck did not speak to the media but he did release a statement through the Stanford media. He stated, "I am committed to earning my degree in architectural design from Stanford University and am on track to accomplish this at the completion of the spring quarter of 2012."

Andrew Luck was projected to be the number one pick of the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers made it clear they were ready to draft Luck also. The move by Andrew Luck came as a complete surprise to many but it is apparent Luck is taking his education at one of the most elite universities in the country seriously. Luck should be commended for his decision but there are five reasons why it makes sense for him to stay in Palo Alto one more year.

No.5. Potential Labor Strife

The NFL has a major battle brewing between the NFL Players Union and the league office. Although Roger Goodell has claimed there will be no work stoppage in 2011 the NFL Players are not so confident. On the chopping block is one key issue that will affect Andrew Luck.

The issue staring Luck in the face is the strong possibility of a structured salary slot system for the NFL rookies. This move will cost Andrew Luck tens of millions of dollars. As Luck has said repeatedly, money is no concern to him at this time.

No.4. Insurance Policy

Andrew Luck has the opportunity to take an insurance policy out on himself in case he is catastrophically injured in 2011. If he is injured and drops in the NFL Draft the policy can be structured for that possibility also. Luck is a smart college student and he is not making a decision in the same manner as Matt Leinert. Leinert optioned to come back as a fifth year senior with the knowledge he was not ready to enter the NFL Draft. Luck is ready and will take out a substantial insurance policy.

No.3. Heisman Trophy

Andrew Luck is a competitive quarterback and his lack of recognition for the Heisman trophy this year has lit a fire under him to begin hie Heisman Trophy campaign for 2011 today. Luck is a polished physical and with one more year of seasoning in a pro style Stanford offense Luck will flourish. Andrew Luck is already the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy without taking the field in 2011 for the Stanford Cardinal.

No.2. Maturity

Andrew Luck is already ranked as a number one college football quarterback. Many NFL Draft experts will say there is nowhere for Luck to go but down in the 2012 NFL Draft. This is nonsense and it is half cocked reasoning by NFL Draft analysts who will now need to restructure their early NFL Mock Drafts.

Andrew Luck will mature in his junior season with Stanford. The distinct possibility for the Stanford Cardinal offense in 2011 is that Andrew Luck could be allowed to call in his own plays in key situations. If this does happen it will make Andrew Luck the best NFL quarterback prospect to ever enter the NFL Draft next season.

No.1. A College Degree from Stanford

A degree from Stanford University is gold in the working world. Andrew Luck is committed to make sure he will have a life after football and he is smart enough to know that the time is now to capitalize on the opportunity before him. Luck is making the best decision for himself and his future in the NFL and beyond.

Sources:

www.yahoosports.com

www.espn.go.com