Back in July, Andrew Luck said in a radio interview that he “will probably stay in school for sure.”
Whether that “probably” will remain a “for sure” is still to be determined, however.
During an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show Thursday, the Stanford quarterback said he’ll wait until the Cardinal concludes their 2010 season in the Jan. 3 Orange Bowl against Virginia Tech before giving a thumbs up or thumbs down to another year of college football.
“After the bowl game, I’ll sit down with my family and see what’s best,” Luck said. Part of that family, of course, includes West Virginia athletic director Oliver Luck.
Luck added that he’s a year and a half away from graduating, which will be an important factor in his decision as well. “It’s important to them,” Luck said of getting that college degree. “They’ve instilled that value in me. It’s important to me.”
Luck is one of four Heisman finalists this year, and is generally regarded as the most pro-ready quarterback who may be available in the 2011 NFL draft pool. It’s certainly won’t be an easy decision one way or the other for Luck; you could easily make the case that, depending on which team sits atop the draft pecking order, he could be the first player selected.
Then again, there’s uncertainty on a couple of fronts. Will there even be an NFL season next year given the labor unrest? Additionally, will his head coach remain if Luck stays? Jim Harbaugh‘s name has been connected to the opening at Miami, and it would certainly become a speculation maelstrom if the coach’s alma mater, Michigan, decides to open up their job by firing Rich Rodriguez after the Wolverines’ bowl game.
Again, it certainly won’t be an easy decision but, based on the good head Luck appears to have atop his shoulders, we’re fairly certain that it’ll be the right decision whichever direction he chooses for his football future.