Everyone knows that Omar Jacobs has a difficult decision to make in the coming weeks about his future.

Likewise, everyone has their own opinions about what he should do with his life – and many of those opinions are selfishly motivated.

People want Omar to stay a Falcon because they want to watch him throw amazing passes from the student section in the Doyt for one more season.

What people fail to realize, however, is that their are plenty of legitimate reasons for Jacobs to stay – most notably that Omar Jacobs 2005, while excellent, was nothing like his 2004.

When entering the NFL Draft the only thing more valuable than a terrific showing at the combine is momentum – something that Akron’s Dominic Hixon will soon realize.

The sad fact is that people have short memory spans, even those whose lives consist solely of evaluating football talent.

Unfortunately, Jacobs lost a lot of the momentum he earned during his stellar 2004 season when he threw 41 touchdowns and just four interceptions – an NCAA record.

After a season like that it is hard to do anything but go down, even if one still has a great season.

Combine impossible expectations with an injury that sidelined Jacobs for three games and disappointing 6-5 season for the Falcons it becomes apparent that Jacobs draft stock has taken a hit.

Of course, he could still take the money and run. Whether or not his stock took a hit he is still a borderline third or fourth round selection. A lot will depend on the decisions of other junior quarterbacks – including Drew Stanton, Brady Quinn and Marcus Vick. For every player that chooses to leave, and they all may do just that, Jacobs moves down the draft board.

However, to just think about an initial draft position would be short-sighted. One must also think about the long-term. If you are a successful quarterback there will be more than just a rookie contract. If you fail then you’re relegated to the Arena league, NFL Europe or the CFL.

In that vein, Jacobs should think about seasoning his game for one more season so when he does get an opportunity in the NFL he is fully up to the task. With a difficult schedule next year featuring Ohio State, Wisconsin and Boise State Jacobs has a chance to face off against some of the toughest teams in college football. He can learn to read defenses and how to think fast during a blitz.

Despite the fact that he is losing many of his biggest offensive weapons there are still many quality players – including Corey Partridge, Ruben Ruiz, Marques Parks, Rhett Magner and Bobby Thomas.

He also has some quality young players on the defensive side of the ball that will be able to digest more of defensive coordinator John Lovett’s system.

The defense will improve next season, the offense will not experience the drop-off some expect and Omar Jacobs will be completely healthy from his shoulder injury.

All of that will provide Jacobs with the most vital things he needs to go along with his immense talents – experience and momentum. So Omar, for your own good, come back to Bowling Green for your senior season.

‘#160;