The gamecock. (Columbia, S.C.) 1908-2006, January 14, 2002, Page 12, Image 12
SEC’s top players consider NFL jump
UF's Grossman
will return; his
top two targets,
to enter pro draft
BY CHRIS FOY
THE UAMECOCK
The Southeastern Conference
is poised for a big makeover next
season, as many of its marquee
players have declared themselves
eligible for the NFL draft.
Some familiar names, however,
including conference player of the
year Rex Grossman, will return
next season.
In Gainesville, Steve Spurrier’s
departure has caused many
Gators to consider leaving school
early. Grossman, a rising junior
quarterback, had been mulling
over the decision since he learned
that Ron Zook, defensive coordi
nator for the New Orleans Saints,
would be taking over as head
coach. On Friday, he made clear
his intentions to stay.
“It’s the hardest decision I’ve
had to make in my entire life,”
Grossman said. “It was going to be
a big decision either way. But I’m
glad I’m coming back.”
Grossman’s decision came only
a day after his backup, Brock
Berlin, announced he was trans
ferring to Miami.
Sophomore wide receiver Tay
lor Jacobs stated along with Gross
man that he would also be return
ing to Florida next season. Jacobs
will be the only one of the Gators
star receiver trio, however, to be
back next fall. Sophomore Jabar
Gaffney and junior Reche Cald
well both have declared for the
draft. In addition, Florida will
have to deal with the loss of cor
nerback Lito Sheppard and offen
sive tackle Mike Pearson.
This season, Grossman threw
for 3,896 yards and 34 touchdowns.
He finished second in the Heisman
Trophy race and was also named
the AP Player of the Year.
Jacobs caught 38 passes for 712
yards in 2001 and was named Or
ange Bowl MVP.
Florida’s new offensive coordi
nator, Ed Zaunbrecher, was
thrilled that two key players of the
'nation’s top-ranked offense will be
hack next season.
“I just became a whole lot bet
ter coach this afternoon,” Zaun
brecher said about the players’ de
cisions to stay.
In Knoxville, it appeared Ten
nessee, like Florida, would be los
ing two critical wide receivers.
But both Kelley Washington and
Donte’ Stallworth changed their
minds and decided to stay put. Un
fortunately for the Vols, however,
one of their biggest defensive play
makers, Albert Haynesworth, is
leaving early.
Georgia will lose three players
early to the draft. Safety Terreal
Bierria, defensive end Charles
Grant and tight end Randy
“It’s the hardest
decision I’ve had to
make in my entire life. It
was going to be a big
decision either way. But
I’m glad I’m coming
back.”
REX GROSSMAN
FLORIDA QUARTERBACK
McMichael have decided to forego
their senior seasons and declare
themselves eligible for the draft.
Elsewhere around the SEC,
Kentucky will lose tight end Derek
Smith and defensive end Dennis
Johnson. Alabama will miss All
SEC linebacker Saleem Rasheed.
The Associated Press contributed
to this report.
Comments on this story?E-mail
gamecocksports@hotmail.com.
USC will get another crack next season at Rex Grossman,
top, who will stay at Florida, photo courtesy of krt campus
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THE
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