HE gave pro baseball a shot, then he gave college football a shot . . . why not give the NFL a shot. If it works out he gets to earn some serious money for a few years before going to dental school, ala Billy Cannon. If it doesn't work out he just takes a loan and goes to dental school anyway. Smart move for Matt.
It's not like he's a 21 year old just enjoying college. The guy is 24 and is ready to move on. Best of luck to him.
I'd guess he weighed the possibility of his moving up in the draft with another year at LSU versus the loss of income from that year given his already shortened pro football career potential. He's already 25, so I think he figured now is the time to take his shot, and if doesn't work out, then he has a great fallback in dental school. I hope he gets to play for a few years in the NFL, but if he doesn't, I'm sure he can open a pretty successful dental practice in Louisiana.
I think it's the right move for Matt. He's accomplished everything he can here, and regardless of Kiper's views of the junior quarterbacks, I can't see him improving his draft status much. If he gets drafted, great, he gets a shot at pro ball. If not, he goes back to the original plan. Best of luck to Matt, regardless. Remember, he's got a family to support, and delaying his decision another year isn't gonna help that.
Right on Red. I think it is a smart move. Remember that he is almost 25 years old. If he can hang around in the NFL for a few years he'll have some cash to see him through dental school.
Thanks, Matt Hate to see you go. LSU fans will never forget the National & SEC Championships you brought to Baton Rouge. All true Tiger fans will support you in your future, whether it be the NFL or Dentistry. THANKS!!!:geaux:
Not sure if valid, but I'd heard how the coaching staff (earlier in the year) advised Mauck that Russell would likely be the starter next year so they were trying to give Mauck a little heads-up to keep his options open. Next, the unthinkable happens and Mauck leads them to the NC. I know Saban & Jimbo think very highly of Mauck (obviously) and wouldn't want a Major Applewhite/Chrissy Simms type of situation develop where it divides the team and fanbase. Although you think it wouldn't with our quality staff, Russell was going to get playing time early either way next year. His talent would be hard to ignore. (Some) LSU fans may have started to call for Russell to start and indicate that the D won the national championship this year (thus diminishing Mauck's role). I think we all realize that Mauck was instrumental this year. I think this could be win-win for LSU & Mauck. Mauck will now be a legend forever in Louisiana. He will do very well even if he never makes it in the NFL.
Didn't Mel Kiper say that the Colts made a HUGE mistake by taking Peyton over Ryan Leaf? Why do people still listen to him? Does the hair have some kind of hypnosis power?
I agree....good decision for this reason His age. Like somebody said, he isn't 21 and he's ready to move on one way or the other.....dental school or pro football. Another year of college football gives him neither of those things. Like he said, he's going to get a shot first to play at the next level and at his age, he should take that opportunity now. Geaux Tigers!
