Now that the college football season is over the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NFL draft is fast approaching. Several outstanding players including Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin II, and Trent Richardson have all decided to turn pro. The real surprise however is how many star players have elected to return to college.
Landry Jones, Montee Ball, and Matt Barkley have all decided it's in their best interest to play another season. Football is such a violent sport that it makes you wonder if they made the right choice.
Certainly there are team goals and individual accomplishments to achieve that may improve their draft status, but the risk of injury and future earning potential is a real concern. What if they get hurt or don't perform to the standards that everyone expects?
Coming back for a senior year cost Matt Leinart $10,000,000 and Jake Locker roughly $30,000,000. Money isn't everything and I'm sure they are better people for the experience, but a precedence has been established. Going back to school may not always yield the desired results.
If I was advising Jones, Ball, or Barkley I would encourage them to leave. Nothing in life is guaranteed and in the blink of an eye it could all be over. Strike while the iron is hot and the window of opportunity is open. I hope their decision doesn't backfire on these guys.
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