Top 30 athletes under 30
By Robert Judin
2. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts – 26 years old
Look, you just don’t get called the “greatest quarterback prospect since Peyton Manning” for no reason, okay? Andrew Luck is the complete package as far as quarterbacks go.
He’s 6-foot-3, 235 lbs and can run past linebackers. When he has time to sit in the pocket and let routes develop, he can pick apart opposing secondaries with ease. The problem is his offensive line giving him the time to do so. But even on the run, Luck is a tremendous off-balance passer and an overall playmaker.
As a rookie, Luck threw for 23 touchdowns and 18 interceptions while totaling 4,374 passing yards — not bad. What was the next step in his evolution? How about trimming those interceptions down, huh, Andrew? Well, he threw another 23 touchdowns in 2013 with 3,822 passing yards — and only nine interceptions.
In year three, Luck took his game to new heights. He tossed the rock for 4,761 yards and 40 touchdowns. The Indianapolis Colts may have been flattened by a New England Patriots team that went on to win the Super Bowl, but Luck still showed out during the regular season.
Can you believe people once debated whether or not the Colts should draft Luck or Robert Griffin III with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft? It doesn’t seem like such a difficult decision now, but that’s why hindsight sees 20/20.
All signs point toward Luck winning at least one MVP award during his career. The touchdowns will continue to flow, and he may even find it within him to will his team to a Super Bowl win one day — maybe more.
Next: No. 1 Mike Trout