Breaking news from ESPN

[Russ79]

Luke Joekel will make himself eligible for the NFL draft. Jake Mathews is still considering returning for his senior year. My sources have told me that he really would like to stay to play alongside his brother next year. I think Joekel is making the right decision- he is projected to go in the top 10 draft picks. He can't concievably improve his draft status- take the millions before you get your knee blown out from a chop block. As for Mathews...you think he is maybe having some conversations with Coach Sumlin over this...

[dbwilson]

I sure hope he stays but wouldn't be surprised if he goes as well.

[rtp]

As for Mathews...you think he is maybe having some conversations with Coach Sumlin over this...

And Dad.

[Landrover]

saw this a few hours ago!!! good move honestly!
Mingo leaving LSU also!

[Chuy]

Joekel is gone, Mathews is staying.

According to Texags......they know stuff

[flatlander]

I wish he'd stay but can't blame him.

The team will move forward.

[Rudyl]

That was a stud offensive line Johnny was working behind, Oklahoma couldn't even get close to him on passing downs. You gotta figure you'll lose some of your horses up front when they're that good.

[flywise]

anyone who passes up guaranteed millions to play college 1 more year needs a good quality brain scan.
It's real easy to go back to school at a later date should the need arise

[texag93]

He's a top 5 pick. Somewhere I saw a #1 projection. Gotta take the $$$$$$$.

[krisw]

I'm doubting he's #1. Dude is good though. I saw where Espn had him going 4 and Matthews going 11 if he decides to leave

[ladrones]

I hope he makes it to 7.

[DapperDan]

anyone who passes up guaranteed millions to play college 1 more year needs a good quality brain scan.
It's real easy to go back to school at a later date should the need arise

I would have to disagree with you 100%.... that is something when a player returns to college. To me that shows a huge level of respect for the university and for fellow team mates. Ive never not will i ever be in that situation but i can assure you that if it were me i would stay and play especially if there was a serious chance at a national championship. Yeah, an injury could happen. But i could blow my knee out on a slippery floor just as easy.

[krisw]

Considering the rate of athletes going broke or almost so, they would all pretty much be better off getting a degree. I believe average length of an nfl career is about 4 years. A degree is forever

[Dave]

The letter from Luke to the 12th Man.

Dear 12th Man and Texas A&M University,

As you may have heard, I have decided to enter the 2013 NFL Draft and forego my senior season at Texas A&M. While I am excited about my future, I wanted you to know this was a very hard decision. To leave A&M, my brother Matt, my teammates, the coaches and the 12th Man is the toughest thing I have ever done. However, like graduating high school early to come to A&M three years ago, I feel like I again have an opportunity that I cannot pass up.

Before I leave, I want to take this opportunity to thank…

…The 12th Man – You are a major reason I chose Texas A&M. During the recruiting process, I realized that other schools and football programs didn’t have the same spirit, support and character that we have here. Every Aggie player is lucky to represent you and I am proud of my three years playing for you.

…My teammates – This year, we were closer than ever. We had the season we did because we all had each other’s backs and nobody doubted that. To Jake, Patrick, Cedric, Jarvis and the rest of the guys in that room, I am proud to be a Maroon Goon and thankful to call you my good friends and teammates. I’m also thankful to have had the opportunity to block for Johnny this year. I’m positive he’s in good hands with the guys returning to the line next year.

…My coaches – I have been blessed to play for great coaches. Thank you for pushing me to improve in every practice and for leading us so successfully through our first year in the SEC.

…the Mays Business School – I am proud I am part of this great school and I have every intention to finish my degree in the near future. Thank you for equipping me to make this very difficult business decision.

…The Texas A&M Administration – I can’t tell you how thankful I am that you moved us to the SEC. As a result of your decision, Texas A&M has many great opportunities – but speaking for myself, your decision meant I had the chance to play against the best competition in the country. That is a major reason why I am in the position I am now.

As I leave College Station to pursue my dream of playing in the NFL, know that I will be back often. Also know that I will do what I can to let everyone know how great A&M is. Hopefully, you feel I have been a good friend and served the 12th Man and University well. I know as I look back, it is you and all the great experiences I’ve had on and off the field that make me proud to be an Aggie.

Gig ‘Em!

Luke Joeckel

[Russ79]

You know we have started to become relavent when there is a Texas A&M header on the ESPN crawler at the bottom of the screen following what our offensive tackles are deciding to do. That was a class act by Luke- anybody that knows anything about football can understand the decision he made. The fact that he took time to write this shows his character. Great representation of being an Aggie.