Teddy Bridgewater still 'undecided'

— -- Louisville junior quarterback Teddy Bridgewater said he is "undecided" whether to return for his senior year and will make the decision following the Cardinals' bowl game.

"I've been hearing all these stories that I've made a decision -- I haven't made a decision," Bridgewater said Monday. "I will talk to my mom and the coaches before making my decision. I'm not leaning either way."

Bridgewater is the No. 1-rated quarterback prospect by ESPN's Todd McShay, and the No. 8 player overall.

Bridgewater said he's not leaning either way, but admitted he's been paying close attention to the other quarterbacks that have decided to remain in school or declare early.

He will decide on his future "hopefully three-to-four days after" Louisville's Russell Athletic Bowl against Miami on Dec. 28 in Orlando, Fla., when he is "comfortable" with his decision. He is not going to set a specific deadline.

"Whenever I feel comfortable after discussing it with my mom, my family and my coaches," he said.

Bridgewater will graduate Thursday with a degree in sports administration. He's the first member of his family to graduate from college.

"It's not a hard decision at all," said Bridgewater, who turned 21 last month. "I know I control my future and my own destiny."

Bridgewater said he has not yet had any discussions about his future with Louisville coach Charlie Strong or offensive coordinator Shawn Watson.

He said the main reason for returning for his senior year would be "playing in a new conference against better talent and being able to play another year with guys I've had great relationships with at Louisville."

Louisville moves to the ACC next season, after spending Bridgewater's last three years in the American Athletic Conference and Big East.

Bridgewater's main reason for declaring early for the NFL?

"I can finally say I reached my ultimate goal and it would change my mom's life (financially)," he said. "I can make an impact on my environment, where I grew up in Miami, showing there's no restrictions what you can reach. That someone from the same neighborhood can make it out."

Bridgewater added that whatever NFL team has the first pick for next year's draft will not impact his decision. He added that whenever he leaves college for the NFL, he wants to be able to say, "I was able to leave college a better person than when I came to college."