By
Francisco Merced
For Virginia Tech quarterback Michael Vick, three years of attending a university must have been enough. Some students take twice that amount just to graduate, but Vick - thought by most to be the No. 1 overall pick -decided that six quality semesters at Virginia Tech is plenty.
Vick - who won't have a college degree - will sleep tight on a big pile of money.
He can't dropback pass and he can't read defensive packages, but he'll be about $50 million richer come draft day.
Reports claim that if Vick signs with superstud sports agent Leigh Steinberg, he'll be able to command a $20 million signing bonus. That's right, Vick's signature will be worth $20 million.
Sure, the arguments will be there. What's a third-year sophomore doing entering the draft? What is a half degree in sociology going to get you? Does anybody remember Shyrone Stith - Vick's teammate who declared early for the draft and was selected in the seventh (and last) round?
Vick will likely go tops in the draft, and great expectations will be justly placed upon the 20-year-old quarterback.
This will be especially emphasized if the San Diego Chargers - who own the pick - choose Vick with the coveted selection.
The Chargers' last first-round pick, Ryan Leaf, has become one of the biggest busts in the history of modern sports. Leaf, taken second overall and ahead of Randy Moss, has been a financial and public relations nightmare for the Bolts.
Leaf - like Vick - left college early to enter the draft.
The team that selects Vick will expect instant success. For that team - and their fans - I offer my most heartfelt condolences. History is no friend for a young quarterback leaving early. But, if you stay for all four years, then who knows? Here's a sample of some recent successes.
Peyton Manning - Considered the top young quarterback in the game today, Manning has led the Colts to two straight playoff appearances. Manning passed on the opportunity to go pro following his junior season and has flourished since being drafted by the Colts, ahead of Ryan Leaf.
Donovan McNabb - A possible MVP candidate, McNabb took the Eagles to the second round of the playoffs in his second season. An option-based quarterback while at Syracuse, McNabb is thought by many to be one of the smartest players in the league.
Daunte Culpepper - Culpepper, from Central Florida, is playing in the NFC Championship game in his second season on Sunday.
Shaun King - King decided to stay all four years, and it has paid off for the Tulane alum. King has played in the playoffs for two straight years and almost led the Bucs to the Super Bowl last season.
Dan Marino - Played in the Super Bowl in his second season. Also will enter the Hall of Fame when he's eligible.
There are more, but the list of quarterbacks that have come out early and have failed far outnumber their counterparts. Ryan Leaf comes to mind... again.
Vick's future is bright - his athleticism and leadership ability gives him the ability to be the Michael Jordan of football. People must remember that when he played for the National Championship, his team lost by almost 20 points. The next day, however, people were only talking about this kid.
Good luck, Michael. May you turn over a new Leaf in the pros.
