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NFL
April 21, 2003
The University of Miami, which has had a huge impact on the NFL draft in recent years, will be felt again this year.
The Hurricanes have become the biggest supplier of blue-chip talent with 22 first-round picks since 1990. Four more could go high in the draft this weekend.
This time, sure first-round selections are junior wide receiver Andre Johnson, probably headed to Houston as the third overall pick, senior defensive end Jerome McDougle and senior defensive tackle William Joseph.
Another Hurricane regarded highly but with some physical question marks is running back Willis McGahee, coming off major knee surgery.
He tore multiple ligaments in his left knee in the national championship loss to Ohio State on Jan. 3. He then raised speculation about his recovery by skipping the NFL scouting combine in February.
The 6-foot, 223-pounder, a third-year sophomore who decided to pass up his remaining college eligibility despite the injury, will host his own predraft workouts in Florida for interested teams. The 49ers, who have met with McGahee, and the Raiders have indicated interest in attending.
Interest in McGahee might not be futile because of the injury. A team choosing him must be willing to gamble he may not play much as a rookie, whereas a team with less depth at the position and in more need of an immediate boost might not take the risk.