Rumor has it that had Andrew Luck would end up being the No.1 pick in the NFL draft had he decided to step away from Stanford and take a go at the Pros. The second part of the rumor, and perhaps the part which should interest you a bit more, is that the Carolina Panthers, who own the No.1 pick in the draft, had stated earlier this week that they would be very interested in hiring Luck if he decided to drop school.
The official announcement states that Luck’s decision to stay at Stanford is strictly academic. According to the press release, the talented quarterback said the he was committed to finishing his degree in architectural design at Stanford University. Something he expects to have had accomplished by the spring quarter of 2012. Just in time for next year’s draft.
Still, one can help but to wonder if Luck just simply didn’t want to end up being stuck with the Panthers for his rookie year. On the other hand, his announcement could also change the mindset of head coach Jim Harbaugh and the whole uncertainty that has risen in regards to his stay or his very possible departure from Stanford. Just like with his starting quarterback Harbaugh has been getting distinct proposal for making the big jump into the pros.
Still, Stanford could work its way up into yet another impressive year. Luck has guided Stanford through a 12-1 season, possibly finishing in the BCS top 5 at the end of the season. That would be the first time this happens since the 1940’s. Andrew Luck finished the season with 3,338 passing yards and 32 touchdown-passes completing over 71% of his passes while rushing for 513 yards. Sure, he was second to Cam Newton in the fight for the Heisman Trophy, but the 50 million dollar contract for the No.1 pick in the draft was going to Luck, not to the star of the Auburn Tigers.
