Andrew Luck: Quarterback's Poise and Maturity Separates Him from Average Rookie

Andrew Luck displayed impeccable awareness with his first NFL pass in Sunday's preseason battle with the Rams. He launched a 63-yard touchdown pass to running back Donald Brown in his first pass of the game, beginning what will be one of this year's most-watched rookie seasons.

We already know Luck isn't your "average" rookie for obvious reasons. He has an excellent arm, knows how to read a defense and has much better feet than you would expect from a man his size.

All of these things are obvious to anyone who has followed Luck through college and now into the NFL, but that's not what really separates his game.

Luck is mature. He handles himself like an adult, and that's not always the case for most NFL rookies. Some NFL veterans even have a tough time harnessing themselves.

That maturity shows off the field, and it adds to his poise in the pocket.

I look at one example specifically. 

Andrew Luck could have entered the NFL one year ago as a top-five selection. That would be enough for most high-caliber players eager to make millions and play in the "big time," but not for Luck. He wanted another year of the college experience and the education that comes with it.

You simply do not find that in many of today's athletes, and it was refreshing from the moment it happened. From that moment on, Luck became different to me.

That decision told me that Luck is smart. He understands the entire scope of his personal situation, and that translates onto the field.

Luck is cut from the same mold as Peyton Manning. Now, relax, I'm not saying he is Manning, but his cerebral style falls right in line with Manning's stunning football smarts. 

We have seen too many rookies enter the NFL amid tremendous hype. Their physical tools always separate them from the pack, but the really great young players don't just have the physical attributes necessary to succeed.

They have the "it" factor. Luck's "it" factor isn't the same as Cam Newton's, but it all translates to the same thing in the end. Newton's "me against the world" attitude helped his rookie success, and Luck's incredible maturity for his age will help his.

Anyone who watched Luck on Sunday came away impressed. He threw for 188 yards and two touchdowns on 10-of-16 passing. It may have been the Rams in a preseason contest, but he still stared "the moment" dead in the eye.

The NFL's bright lights aren't too big for Luck. He's seasoned, and that's due in large part to the extra year he took in school.

Quarterback demands much more than unparalleled physical gifts. Excelling behind center in the NFL requires a certain player to understand every facet of what he's doing, and Luck gets it.

Football smarts don't show up in the box score, but it will separate Luck for years to come.