The news isn't surprising to anyone, but Baylor's Robert Griffin officially announced today he was headed to the NFL. "I pray I have the blessing of my coaches and teammates as I move on to the NFL." I'm sure that isn't an issue, Robert.
I've spent a fair amount of time thinking of reasons why Griffin should come back to Baylor, but have yet to come up with one, at least one that made any sort of sense. I mean, who wouldn't want to watch Griffin run circles around college defenses for another season?
That is precisely why he should go to the NFL, however. Watching him this year, the college game almost seemed too easy for him at times. He's without question ready for a new challenge. If he had chosen to return, boredom could have started to set in and that's never a good thing when your draft stock is on the line.
And honestly, what is really left for him in the college game outside of winning a national championship? Anyone that saw Baylor's defense plays this year knows that part of it isn't happening anytime soon, but Griffin surely isn't to blame for that.
The guy led the Big 12 in total offense, passing efficiency, touchdown passes, and threw fewer interceptions than anyone in the league that played on a regular basis. He also led Baylor to a 10 win season, something that was laughable only a few years ago.
The Heisman Trophy is his, as well. I'm sure two would like nice on the mantle, but that's hardly a reason to come back.
A college degree might be a reason to come back, but he already has that wrapped up some time ago.
And then there is of course the injury situation which he knows all too well after already having come back from an ACL injury.
His draft stock is at an all-time high. He knows it and scouts know it. Heck, we all know it.
Will he be a successful quarterback in the NFL? I'd have to answer that with a resounding yes, but the fact is no one really knows for sure. The only thing that is certain is that he made the right choice today by making the jump now. The rest will take care of itself.
As for us college football fans. We will be left with watching old RGIII You Tube clips such as the one below while waiting for the next guy of his caliber come by, which could be a long wait.
