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Draft Weekend Recap

Andrew Luck (Round 1, Pick #1, Indianapolis Colts)
Taken in the spot he would've occupied had he left college a year ago, Luck fell in the laps of the Indianapolis Colts. How eager were they to get started on the Luck Era? They jettisoned Peyton Manning, one of the greatest quarterbacks ever to play in the NFL. You know all that, of course. Robert Griffin III was the second pick, and Luck and RG3 will be forever linked. After finishing one and two in the Heisman balloting four months ago, it was no surprise that they were the top two picks in this draft. There were some voices calling for the Colts to choose RG3 over Luck, but most rational minds saw this as nonsense. Even so, the two will be compared constantly, beginning with the first preseason games in August and extending for the duration of their careers. Griffin, however, will likely see more success this year, as his Washington Redskins are a much better team right now. When Luck stands in the huddle this fall, most of the faces looking back at him will be first- and second-year players. One face, however, will be familiar -- but more on that later.

Andrew Luck's Greatest Hits

For the last six months I've been telling myself that I should try to come up with a list of the greatest plays of Andrew Luck's career. The Catch, the Catouse, the rambling scramble against Wake Forest, the naked bootleg against Washington, the throw from his knees against Arizona State. You know them all. Well, the folks at the Cardinal Channel have done it much better than I ever could have. So if you're having trouble with the idea that Luck's time at Stanford is now officially over, take a look at this video of the top fifteen plays of Andrew Luck's career. I suggest you watch it at least twice. Enjoy.

Cardinal & White Spring Game Highlights

Here's a highlight package from the Spring Game, courtesy of the Cardinal Channel. Watch for an end around by this spring's breakout star, #39 Kelsey Young, followed immediately by a nice touchdown catch in traffic by #88 Ty Montgomery. I think we can expect big things from both those young men this fall. More than any of that, though, it's Stanford football -- and it's only April! Enjoy...

Cardinal & White Spring Game Recaps

The first tangible sign of Life After Andrew Luck came on Saturday afternoon when Stanford's annual Cardinal and White Spring Game was played at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco -- and it was not telecast on any network. With Luck as the main attraction last spring, the game was broadcast live on ESPNU and archived on ESPN3.com. Apparently the interest level isn't the same for Brett Nottingham and Josh Nunes.

Since I wasn't able to make the trip to San Francisco, I can't write about it. Thankfully, though, lots of other people have. All these links are great, and I'll add more as they come available. Oh, and if you're hoping to find a winner in the quarterback competition, check back in September. Josh Nunes and Brett Nottingham are still running neck and neck. For more, check the links...

ESPN's Sports Science on Coby Fleener

You already know that Coby Fleener is good, but did you know he can dunk on an elephant? That he can win a tug-o-war with Sumo wrestlers? Here's the proof...

 

Flash Forward to Fall: Wide Receivers

As good as Andrew Luck was over the past three seasons, it was difficult to find an article about him that didn't include a few disparaging remarks about the wide receivers. You know what I'm talking about -- "Just imagine the numbers Luck could've put up if he were throwing to elite wide receivers like the ones playing at USC..."

While the Stanford wideouts didn't strike the fear of god into anyone like Justin Blackmon did or shatter records like Robert Woods and Marqise Lee, it's not like the receivers were awful, either.

The Return of the King!

Stanford sources have confirmed what few thought possible even as recently as forty-eight hours ago. In a move that has sent ripples through the entire football world, from Palo Alto, Baton Rouge, Los Angeles, and Eugene in the NCAA to Indianapolis, Washington, and Denver in the NFL, Andrew Luck has announced that he will be returning for a fourth season at quarterback for the Stanford Cardinal.

In a brief press release issued through Stanford University's Athletic Department, Luck made his intentions clear: "I love Stanford University, and I'm not ready to leave. I know this decision comes as a surprise. I also know that many people have made plans based on my assumed departure to the NFL, and I regret that. But I have to do what I believe is best for me, and right now nothing could be better than playing quarterback for the Stanford Cardinal."