Willis McGahee's decision to enter the NFL Draft may have caught some people by surprise, but it was done after consulting advisers, coaches and the school's medical staff.
Eugene Poole Jr., McGahee's brother, said Dr. John Uribe is confident the University of Miami tailback can make a full recovery after he tore two ligaments in his left knee at the national championship in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 3.
"It's a two-way street," Poole said. "Even if he stayed at Miami, he would've been questioned, whatever he would've done. You can't win in public opinion.
"But I agree with the decision. If he comes back to Miami, he runs the risk of getting injured again."
While McGahee was expected to see little if any action next season because of the injury, his decision now ensures the Hurricanes will have almost an entirely new offensive look.
With Miami wide receiver Andre Johnson also announcing he's going into the NFL and quarterback Ken Dorsey having used up his eligibility, the Hurricanes have to replace their three most productive offensive performers.
While Dorsey passed for 3,369 yards last season, McGahee ran for 1,753 yards and Johnson caught 1,092 yards in passes, all team highs.
"We are disappointed to lose underclassmen but we know that is the nature of college football today," Miami coach Larry Coker said. "Both Andre and Willis have made tremendous contributions to our football team and program. The injury Willis suffered was a devastating blow but I am confident he will recover."
While it has been reported McGahee suffered a $10 million knee injury -- the bonus a player receives when he's among the top 10 picks -- he took out a $2.5 million insurance policy that pays off if he can't return from his injury. There is a clause that allows McGahee to play in up to three college or pro football games without the policy becoming void.
"It's hard not to think about what could've been," Poole said. "But you have to play the cards that have been dealt to you. There's a lot of speculation where he'll get picked. Some say he could go from the second to the sixth round.
"To me, this is just like high school. He suffered a knee injury, although it wasn't as serious, not much was known about him when he came to Miami, but he came out and proved what he could do. Now, he's well known. And I think he's a diamond in the rough."
When McGahee can begin working out again is something that's up to Uribe, Poole said. The family owns a gym where McGahee earned legendary status by pulling a truck with people in it. He isn't expected to be able to run until late this summer.
McGahee and Johnson become the fifth Miami players in the last two seasons to apply for the NFL Draft without using up their collegiate eligibility. Last season, cornerback Phillip Buchanon, the former Lehigh star, tight end Jeremy Shockey and tailback Clinton Portis left early.
Johnson, who told Coker of his decision Monday, said he felt it was his time to move on. Currently, he's expected to battle Michigan State's Charles Rogers as the first receiver taken in the draft.
"It was a hard decision because I enjoyed playing college football," he said. "But I'm in a position where I can move on and moving on seemed to be the best decision for me."
Originally published Wednesday, January 15, 2003
