Andrew Luck: Why Stanford QB Will Break Records in His Rookie Year

As Andrew Luck comes closer and closer to becoming the top pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the questions surrounding his considerably large hype will only increase in frequency. 

Replacing perhaps the best quarterback of the current generation is no easy feat, and Luck will have his hands full dealing with the many expectations and pressure placed upon a franchise QB during his rookie year. However, if there's even been a prospect up to the challenge, it's the Stanford prodigy. 

Luck is considered a once-in-a-lifetime prospect for good reason, and his substantial skill set has been groomed perfectly for the professional game. His first season should include some growing pains, but the No. 1 pick should be on his way to a record-setting rookie campaign. 

Why should you believe in Luck? Here's three reasons:

His Decision Making Skills

While most QB prospects rely on physical gifts or potential, Luck has proven he has the mind and game presence to succeed at the pro level.

Coaches and scouts have raved about Luck's ability to read defenses and adjust accordingly—one of the most important aspects of a successful NFL QB. He was given full discretion to call and adjust plays on the fly at Stanford, which is relatively unheard of, even for the best college QB prospects.

He responded by throwing only 22 interceptions in over 1,000 attempts while with the Cardinal, showcasing his exceptional ability to make the right decision.

Luck's ability to know what the right decision is should reduce the chance of him getting rattled by NFL-caliber defenses, and give him a great chance to break records in his rookie year.

He Was Groomed in a Pro-Style Offense

Luck has NFL scouts drooling, partly because of his readiness to succeed in the pro game, which you can credit to his formative years spent under Jim Harbaugh at Stanford.

While playing for the Cardinal, Luck ran a very pro-style offense, as opposed to the spread/shotgun style now common in the college ranks. Luck's familiarity with drop-back, I-formation-style offenses will make his transition into the NFL a much easier process than someone like Sam Bradford, who played in the spread while in college.

Luck's comfort level within a pro-style offense should mean he will hit the ground running in Indianapolis on his way to a tremendous rookie year.

His Pedigree

Like Peyton and Eli Manning before him, Luck has the benefit of an NFL pedigree behind him, and will be able to call upon his former NFL QB father for guidance during what will be a rookie season full of bumps. 

You could attribute much of Luck's natural presence and comfort with the game of football to his father Oliver, who spent four years with the Houston Oilers between 1982 and 1986. Growing up around the game from an early age, Luck had an understanding and example of what it takes to be an NFL QB long before most prospects get their start.

A rookie season can be an incredibly taxing and tough year for a young QB, and having the experience and support of a former NFL QB as his father should ensure that Luck is able to cope with the struggles of his first year. This ability to cope with early struggles should ensure that Luck goes on to a very strong first year, breaking records along the way.