Andrew Luck

It seemed appropriate for a long time that Luck was hailed as the second coming of Peyton Manning, even if that isn't technically accurate. After all, Indianapolis has the first pick in the draft and that second-coming stuff goes hand-in-hand with Luck being considered the logical heir to the cerebral offense Manning ran so well for the Colts. But Luck isn't exactly Manning. And, after considerable changes, the Colts aren't the same Colts. So that begs the question -- are Luck and the Colts still a logical match? Team owner Robert Irsay tweets all the right things about Luck, especially after the quarterbacks team visit. And as the draft draws closer the inevitable sequence of events should be (1) reports that Luck is indeed the Colts pick, (2) verification in an Irsay tweet that this is true, (3) and perhaps announcement of a signed contract. And, finally, Luck should be No. 1 after finishing second in two Heisman Trophy votes where he was expected to win at least once. Last year he yielded the Heisman to Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, who is listed behind Luck on almost every draft list, including that of NFLDraftScout.com. But since the end of the season, more scouts questioned whether Luck really is a better pro prospect than the athletic RG3. Most still concede Luck is the safer pick. To be clear, Luck is a truly exceptional athlete himself, with workout results similar to those of Cam Newton. He is the son of Oliver Luck, former Detroit Lions and Houston Oilers quarterback and current Athletic Director at West Virginia, and masterfully manipulated a pro-style offense coached until last year by former NFL quarterback Jim Harbaugh, now with the 49ers. Luck can make every throw required, but, like almost everyone else, doesn't play with the urgency of Manning. His athleticism, genetics and coaching resulted in amazing college statistics. He completed 713 of 1,064 passes (67 percent) for 9,430 yards, 82 touchdowns, 22 interceptions and a passer rating of 162.8. And, while those are spectacular stats, Luck is expected finally to be the No. 1 because he is the safe pick.

setup/release

Takes virtually all of his snaps from under center. Quick-footed and balanced in dropping back, scanning the field. Clearly is comfortable in the pocket, stepping up, sliding left or right and dipping his shoulder to avoid contact while setting up to throw. Rarely retreats or takes his way away from the secondary to look at the rush. Boasts a textbook throwing motion. Has an efficient over-the-top release, stepping into the throw and ending with a clean follow-through. The ball doesn't explode out of his hand as it does some passers with greater arm strength, but the fluid motion -- like a smooth golf swing -- generates plenty of torque.

reading defenses

Put simply, it is Luck's recognition of defenses that might be his most extraordinary accomplishment. Had full freedom to call audibles at the line and takes advantage of his recognition to improve the offense's chance at a successful play, including often switching from passing plays to handoffs and bootlegs. Often will look one way and throw the other, leaving defenders with very little time to react. As mentioned previously, he does need to improve his decision-making, at times, as he will occasionally take unnecessary risks throwing the ball into double coverage.

arm strength

Doesn't boast a Matt Stafford-like howitzer, but has plenty of arm strength to make every NFL throw. Fires the deep out from the opposite hash without having to wind up. Confident in the pocket despite pressure around him, as he's shown the ability to make 50+ yard throws even with defenders pulling him down (Arizona State).

intangibles

A winner who helped elevate the Stanford program. Highly intelligent; was the valedictorian at Stratford High. Elected to return for his fourth year at Stanford in large part due to the fact that he wanted to finish his degree. Father, Oliver Luck, is a former West Virginia and Houston Oiler quarterback who now serves as the Athletic Director at his alma mater.

on the move

Perhaps the most underrated element of his game. Possesses very good straight-line speed for the quarterback position, as well as vision, enough mobility to evade defenders in the open field (not in tight quarters, however) and good strength. Doesn't take unnecessary hits and looks to slide or run out of bounds when he scrambles, but isn't afraid of lowering his shoulder to get the first down or score.

accuracy

Possesses extraordinary accuracy to all levels of the field. Consistently throws his receivers open, leading his receivers to where the defenders are least likely to be able to impact the reception or stop the receiver from gaining additional yardage. Zips the deep out low and outside. Excellent touch down the seam to fit the ball between the linebacker and safety over the top. Leads his backs on swing passes and receivers on slants/crossers so that they do not have to break stride. Rare accuracy extends to the deep ball, as well, as he throws a tight spiral with good trajectory that makes his passes easy to track over the shoulder. Trusts his accuracy too much, at times, showing a willingness to throw too often into coverage. In his two multiple INT games of his young career (Oregon 2010, Arizona State 2010) all four of his interceptions were thrown into double coverage.

2009: suffered a broken right index finger against Notre Dame and missed the Sun Bowl.

Graduated from Stratford High School in Houston, Texas

ranked as high as the No. 4 quarterback in the nation by Scout.com, the No. 5 overall recruit in Texas and the No. 47 overall recruit in the nation

Rivals.com tabbed him No. 1 on its list of the most accurate quarterbacks in the country, as well as No. 4 on its list of pro-style QB's, the No. 9 overall recruit from Texas and No. 68 overall player nationally

a SuperPrep All-American who ranked as the publication's No. 10 player in Texas and No. 7 QB nationwide

passed for 7,139 career yards and 53 touchdowns in three prep seasons, completing 488 of 824 passes (59.2%)

also added 2,085 career rushing yards

threw for 2,684 yards and 19 TDs while completing 196 of 338 passes as a senior in 2007 to earn second team All-Texas honors for Class 5A teams

was named the 19-5A District MVP and added a spot on the Rivals.com All-America team for juniors only in 2006 when he threw for 2,926 yards and 27 TDs on 176 of 257 passing

added 1,529 yards and seven TDs as a sophomore when he completed 116 of 229 throws

complemented his throwing exploits with rushing totals of 671 yards as a senior, 714 in his junior campaign and 700 during his sophomore season.

Son of former Houston Oiler and West Virginia quarterback Oliver Luck, who currently serves as the athletic director at West Virginia

served as the valedictorian of Stratford's graduating class of 2008

majoring in architectural design.