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Gator QB unsure if he's returning

But sophomore Rex Grossman says hiring Mike Shanahan likely would bring him back.

By KEITH NIEBUHR, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published January 8, 2002

GAINESVILLE -- One bombshell in Gator Country could lead to another.

Quarterback Rex Grossman, the Heisman Trophy runnerup, said Monday that he likely will not make a decision on whether to return for his junior season until Florida finds a replacement for outgoing coach Steve Spurrier. Although Grossman "most likely" will be back, he left the door open for a jump to the NFL. Friday is the last day underclassmen can make themselves eligible for the NFL draft.

"I love playing here," Grossman said. "But this obviously threw me for a loop. There's a lot of uncertainty I'm looking at. I don't have all the information I need. I wasn't planning on this at all. I'm going to try to get as much information as possible.

"Physically and emotionally, I'm ready to go. But I like going to school here. I like playing here. I like my teammates. We have a great time. It would be the biggest decision of my life if I were to go."

Grossman isn't the only player in limbo.

Junior wide receiver Taylor Jacobs is "on the same page" with him, Grossman said, which potentially could be bad news for UF. Wide receiver Reche Caldwell of Tampa, tackle Mike Pearson of Seffner and cornerback Lito Sheppard already have decided to forgo their senior seasons to make themselves eligible for the draft, and sophomore wide receiver Jabar Gaffney might join them.

Grossman led the nation in passing efficiency, throwing for 34 touchdowns and a school-record 3,896 yards in leading UF to a 10-2 record and No. 3 ranking in both major polls. He said he had not considered leaving early until Spurrier resigned suddenly Friday.

"I don't think anybody saw this coming," Grossman said. "(Spurrier) provided me with a great opportunity to play quarterback under him the last two years. He's been an unbelievable coach."

Grossman was on vacation in the Bahamas when he heard Spurrier had resigned. Spurrier said he left a message on Grossman's cell phone that told his star pupil of his decision to leave. "I told him, "I might be coaching your butt again someday,' " Spurrier said.

The two talked at length Monday.

"It was a good meeting," Grossman said. "It was the first time we've really had a long talk. He answered a lot of my questions and explained his situation."

Jacobs had 38 catches for 712 yards during the season and was the Orange Bowl MVP after catching 10 passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns. Until recently, it seemed certain Jacobs would return for his senior season. But his performance against Maryland on Jan. 2 in the Orange Bowl and the thought of playing for a new coach, in a new system, has him considering the NFL. "I think we're definitely going to do the same thing," Grossman said.

Grossman said he and backup quarterback Brock Berlin have talked often recently. Berlin, a true junior next season if he stays at UF, was given his release to transfer before the Orange Bowl and has leaned toward attending Miami. If Grossman leaves, Berlin might stay because the starting job would be his to lose.

"I've been on the phone with Brock quite a bit lately and we're on the same page, too," Grossman said. "I'm not 100 percent on it, but I've been in communication with him and he's probably going to do the opposite of what I do."

The hiring of Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan is one thing that might secure Grossman's return. Grossman said Shanahan and Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, who unbeknown to Grossman withdrew his name from consideration Monday, were people he likely would play for.

"If either one of those guys comes, that definitely improves the chances of me playing (at UF) again," Grossman said. "I don't know either of them, but I think they'd be great coaches."

Spurrier met with players for the first time Monday since his resignation.

"I think they are doing okay," he said. "I had a nice little meeting with them. It must have been 30 or 40 players that showed up. Basically, I just said, "You guys will be fine. They'll get a new coach in here and they'll be throwing the ball and ... good things will happen here."

"I told them, "Play well enough, and you got a guy that is going to try to draft a bunch of Gators, you know that, if I can.' "

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