Heisman runner-up Toby Gerhart will leave Stanford for the prospects of the upcoming NFL Draft. He had one year of remaining eligibility due to an injury-shortened 2007. Many Stanford fans had hoped he might return to play one last year with outstanding freshman quarterback Andrew Luck, possibly building on the success the team had this past season. Although his decision might not be the most popular, it was the right one for him to make for several reasons.
Gerhart will have his degree in management science and engineering prior to the next college season. Although some students will stay on campus and enroll in a graduate program to complete their athletic eligibility, very few of them have NFL potential. Unless he plans to complete a master's program he would essentially be taking garbage classes and wasting his time just to fulfill the NCAA 'Amateur' status. The college atmosphere might be fun and games, but he would still have to go to class and make some effort or risk NCAA sanctions. If he truly did want to pursue higher education, there will be plenty of time for that after his body is no longer in peak condition.
More importantly, people are willing to pay him for using his athletic talents right now. Not just some spending money and perks, but a lot of money. NFL contracts are out of control for top-end rookies, as he is expected to be. Even the last-round players make six figure salaries if they make a team. If he doesn't take the money he could earn now, it will almost certainly be less that he gets later. Some reports claim much less, as the looming NFL bargaining agreement status is uncertain. There are even talks about a rookie cap or pay structure, severely cutting the salaries many recent draftees have been given. I can't imagine a quality kid like Gerhart would be selfish enough to trade greater financial security for himself and his family for one more year of college fun, and with his recent announcement it seems like he isn't.
I say congratulations on your decision Toby, and good luck at the next level. Thanks for the good memories for your Stanford teammates, fans, and alumni. Thanks for getting the Cardinal football program some national attention for the first time in a long time.
Keywords: Draft, NFL, Stanford, Toby Gerhart
