Andrew Luck Shocks Everyone, Decides To Return To Stanford Instead Of Entering Draft

The Carolina Panthers used a second round pick on QB Jimmy Clausen in 2010 and he was unimpressive much of the year. So when a highly-rated quarterback like Stanford QB Andrew Luck came up for the 2011 NFL draft, the Panthers, who hold the No. 1 pick, were reportedly planning on selecting him.

Of course you heard the news by now that Luck has announced he is staying at Stanford next year. SB Nation’s Panthers blog, Cat Scratch Reader, calls the Luck’s decision a “serious blow”.

If quarterback Andrew Luck decides to declare for the 2011 NFL Draft, it means that Monday night’s Orange Bowl was his final game at Stanford (not a bad way to go out). It also means he’ll be joining the Carolina Panthers.

According to a report at ESPN, which quotes “two high-ranking team officials,” the Panthers are set on drafting Luck with the No. 1 overall pick come April.

While it seems hard to imagine a 21-year-old passing up $50 million (plus) to play another season in college, Luck may do just that. He comes from a well-off family that isn’t in need of the money -- his father is an ex-NFL QB who is now the A.D. at West Virginia -- and Luck seems legitimately interested in continuing to attend Stanford and play college football.

Luck says after Monday night’s Orange Bowl, he plans to make a checklist with his family to help decide whether to stay or go. In the meantime, his head coach Jim Harbough says he’ll offer some advice. From the Palm Beach Post: