Tuesday, August 20, 2002 Updated: August 22, 2:02 PM ET
Draft Dodgers
By By Gene Wojciechowski
What price glory? NFL money can wait for one more shot at a title.
You could have made a fortune selling Kleenex at Mike Doss' is-he-staying-or-going press conference last January. Tears were everywhere as the hard-hitting, soft-spoken SS blubbered through the juicy part: He was stiffing the NFL and returning to Ohio State. "I was undecided all the way to when I walked up to the podium," says Doss.
Mike Doss wants a shot at BCS glory.
Doss is back because of unfinished business. He wants his degree, and BCS bowl bling -- preferably something with a Fiesta Bowl logo on it. Barring injury, he'll likely become the seventh Buckeye to earn three straight first-team All-America honors. And it'd be nice to beat archrival Michigan two years running.
The NFL paycheck will come. In 2001, Doss led the Buckeyes in tackles for the second consecutive season, led the Big Ten in fumble recoveries and likely led the nation in concussions caused. Want more? For 2002, Doss has volunteered to return kickoffs and punts and play slot receiver. (Coach Jim Tressel: yes to returns, probably no to catching passes.)
"We always talk about having a sense of impending greatness," says Tressel. "A leader has to radiate and demonstrate something great is going to happen. I think Mike radiates that."
Rex Grossman, Florida Jr. QB
Could have ditched UF with Spurrier, but is now Heisman fave
William Joseph, Miami Sr. DT
More versatile and a better pass-rusher than typical Miami DTs
Jimmy Kennedy, Penn State Sr. DT
Ex-400-pounder (now 316) was All-Big Ten and is likely 1st-rounder
Andre Woolfolk, Oklahoma Sr. CB
No longer a WR, he's focused on D; Quentin Jammer with hands
Bradie James, LSU Sr. LB
Led team in solo stops and helped snuff Vols (50 yards rushing)
