Andrew Luck: Who's Luck Battling For the No. 1 Pick in 2012 NFL Draft?

Andrew Luck shocked the world (especially the Panthers) when he announced his return to Standford for his red-shirt junior season. He is pulling a Sam Bradford and now has nothing to gain and everything to lose.

But regardless, Luck wants to earn his degree and have another shot at the Heisman trophy.

He was going to be the Carolina Panthers No.1 overall pick in the 2011 draft, but who will be his competition for the top pick in the 2012 draft?

Matt Barkley

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PASADENA, CA - DECEMBER 04: Quarterback Matt Barkley #7 of the USC Trojans drops back to pass against the UCLA Bruins during the first half at the Rose Bowl on December 4, 2010 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Everybody loves the starting QB at USC (even if Carson Palmer and Mark Sanchez have been awful lately) and Matt Barkley has a great chance to be the next in line.

Barkley threw 26 TDs and 12 INTs for a struggling USC team this season.

He had to deal with all of the Reggie Bush distractions and the constant reminder that he essentially had nothing to play for in 2010 and still played with the maturity of a senior.

He broke out onto the scene in style by beating Ohio St. in Columbus in his second career game. He has proven to be a leader and a QB that can win in hostile environments.

Another stellar individual season and Barkley will be at the top of the list in 2012.

Alshon Jeffery

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COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 06: Alshon Jeffery #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during their game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 6, 2010 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

The next can't miss explosive receiver in the SEC resides in South Carolina.

The early favorite as the top play-maker in the 2012 NFL Draft, the 6-3, 230-pound Alshon Jeffery hauled in 79 passes for 1,387 yards and nine touchdowns as a true sophomore this year.

His size creates a mis-match and he knows how to use it. He has terrific body control and is able to leverage DBs and seal them off.

He excels in jump ball situations, which makes him unstoppable in the red zone. Think of Jeffery as the 2012 version of Calvin Johnson.

LaMichael James

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CORVALLIS, OR - DECEMBER 4: LaMichael James #21 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game at Reser Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Corvallis, Oregon. The Ducks beat the Beavers 37-20 to likely go on to the BCS Championshi

James has been a stud since joining the Oregon Ducks. He finished third in the 2010 Heisman race and has shown the consistency and durability of a back who plays on Sunday's.

James rushed for 1,682 rushing yards and 21 TDs this season. That's only a bit better than the 1,546 yards and 14 TDs as a freshman. That's tough to do in a season of Tecmo Bowl.

The Ducks would not be in the BCS National Championship Game without him.

Next year you can expect him to be even better.

With another year of 1,600 yards and a successful Oregon team, James will be considered a can't miss prospect in the 2012 draft.

Stephen Garcia

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ATLANTA - DECEMBER 4: Quarterback Stephen Garcia #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drops back to pass during the 2010 SEC Championship against the Auburn Tigers at Georgia Dome on December 4, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Image

The NFL loves the SEC and drafting QBs high...so of course Stephen Garcia is going to potentially be the first pick in the 2012 draft.

Garcia showed steady improvement in his junior campaign.

He threw for 3,059 yards and 20 TDs with a 64 percent completion rate. He struggled at times but he can show scouts that he has learned from "the ole ball coach" with a stellar senior season. If Garcia cuts down on the picks (14 in '10) and puts up gaudy numbers—then he will be in the fold.

With a great chance to make the BCS National Championship Game, expect Garcia to be in the conversation for the top pick.

Trent Richardson

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BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 06: Trent Richardson #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide avoids a tackle by Stefoin Francois #23 of the Louisiana State University Tigers at Tiger Stadium on November 6, 2010 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Gett

Some scouts consider Richardson to be a better prospect than Mark Ingram.

A big back who can run in the 4.4s—Richardson posted 658 yards, averaging 6.5 per rush this year. He also caught 22 passes for 254 receiving yards.

He will be given the chance to be the man for 'Bama in 2011 and can showcase the country why he was stuck in the shadow of Ingram.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Richardson rush for 1,300 yards and 12 TDs. In fact, that is probably being conservative.

His speed and ability to catch the ball will intrigue NFL teams that need a play-maker at the top of the draft.

Jonathan Martin

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BERKELEY, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Head coach Jim Harbaugh and Jonathan Martin #55 of the Stanford Cardinal shake hands after beating the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/G

Martin had a phenomenal season protecting Andre Luck's blindside. He was named to the first team all PAC-10 this season as only a sophomore.

He anchored a Stanford line that gave up the second fewest sacks in the nation. The Stanford running attack averaged 211 yards a contest.

With Luck returning, the national spotlight will be shinning on Stanford all season long. This means there will be plenty of scouts in the stands to watch Martin.

How ironic would it be if Luck fell in the draft due to one of his teammates?

Dre Kirkpatrick

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 02: Dre Kirkpatrick #21 of the Alabama Crimson Tide intercepts a pass intended for Trey Burton #8 of the Florida Gators at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

This pick is almost based entirely on his expected junior year output.

As a freshman Kirkpatrick didn't play a whole lot because he was nursing an ankle injury, and was stuck behind Kareem Jackson and Javier Arenas. That's nothing to sneeze at though as both players project to be first round picks.

Kirkpatrick played extremely well at the end of this season and is living up to all the hype he came to Alabama with.

Assuming he stays healthy, the agile 6-3 corner will be a top pick.

Mike Adams

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: (R-L) Dan Herron #1, Terrelle Pryor #2 and Mike Adams #75 of the Ohio State Buckeyes gather with teammates before taking on the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011

Adams is one of the best pass blockers in the country and he showed it against Arkansas.

He has exceptional technique and great footwork. He is also blessed with a 6'7, 300 pound frame.

Once Adams bulks up with more muscle mass in college he will be an elite lineman. He is stuck watching the first five games of the 2011 season on the  sidelines, but that will be the perfect opportunity to spent most of his time in the weight room.

By the end of next year he could be the top O-Line prospect in college, and we all know the value and importance of protecting your QBs blind side in the NFL.

This left tackle could be the next Jake Long for whoever lands the top pick in 2012.

Brandon Jenkins

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CHESTNUT HILL, MA - OCTOBER 03: Brandon Jenkins #49 of the Florida State Seminoles walks off the field after the game against the Boston College Eagles on October 3, 2009 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Boston College defeated Florida

Jenkins has a stellar combination of ability and size (6'3, 225 pounds.)

He is likely to be project as a defensive end/outside linebacker in the NFL.

Jenkins is a physical defender and can come off the edge and create pressure with a speed rush. He has the tools to be a disruptive blind-side pass-rushing threat. His quick acceleration and closing speed make him a great prospect and allowed him to make 66 tackles in 2010.

Regardless of position, Jenkins will be a stud in the NFL.

Landry Jones

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 01: Landry Jones #12 of the Oklahoma Sooners throws the ball against the Connecticut Huskies during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on January 1, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Peters

Jones had a great season season for the Sooners and is one more away from being on the top of Mel Kiper's "big board."

Jones accumulated 4,289 yards and 35 touchdowns while winning the Big 12 title and Fiesta Bowl. He played great under the spotlight, throwing for 429 yards and three TDs against UConn.

After two seasons collecting 7,847 yards and 61 TDs, it's safe to say he's had a ideal start to his career in Norman.

As a junior he will get even better, and if Jones puts up an even better 2011—the No. 1 pick is in reach.