Mitchell, UM have day to remember
Linebacker becomes USF's highest pick after four 'Canes go in first.
By PETE YOUNG, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published April 27, 2003
TAMPA - Wednesday his first child was born. Saturday he became the highest draft pick in his school's history.
Life is good for Kawika Mitchell. The 6-foot-1, 252-pound linebacker from South Florida was selected in the second round, 47th overall, by Kansas City.
"It sounds kind of selfish, but my goal has always been to be the highest-drafted player in USF history," said Mitchell, who surpassed tackle Kenyatta Jones, the first pick of the fourth round two years ago.
Fulfilling his goal was only the No.2 highlight of his week, behind wife Billie giving birth to son Lewai Kawika Mitchell.
"That is the best - overwhelming," Mitchell said. "I'll definitely remember this week forever."
Several Miami players also will have fond memories of this draft, as the Hurricanes resoundingly confirmed their status as the nation's premier talent producer.
Four UM players were picked in the first round, giving it 13 the past three years (five in 2002, four in 2001) and matching Penn State for the most this season. It is a record-tying ninth straight year Miami produced a first-rounder.
Houston chose 'Canes wide receiver Andre Johnson third overall, Philadelphia traded up to 15th and selected defensive end Jerome McDougle and the New York Giants took defensive tackle William Joseph at No.25.
Perhaps the day's biggest story was Miami's other first-rounder, running back Willis McGahee. He rushed for 28 touchdowns last season but tore three ligaments in his left knee in the Fiesta Bowl. A highly publicized workout last week helped convince Buffalo to grab him at No.23.
"Balance, speed, power - he has it all," former Vikings coach Dennis Green said on ESPN.
"That's when he was healthy," draft analyst Mel Kiper responded. "Put him on a shelf for a year and let him develop."
Bills coach Gregg Williams said there was no timetable for McGahee's return, but that Buffalo could "hit a home run" with the selection. McGahee said he will play this fall.
"I'm not a person to sit around on the bench and watch other people run the ball," he said.
Former Florida coach Steve Spurrier reaffirmed his affinity for ex-Gators. Spurrier's Redskins, one of four teams without a first-round pick, chose receiver Taylor Jacobs No.44 overall.
"We had no idea that Taylor would be available," Spurrier said. "I've watched the young man play, coached him for three years at Florida, he can do it all."
Quarterback Rex Grossman was the first Gator chosen, going to Chicago at No.22 overall, the fourth and final quarterback of the first round. Many thought he should have turned pro a year earlier, after he produced spectacular statistics in Spurrier's final season.
"This year he did struggle, but he didn't have an offensive line," Kiper said. "He has the arm strength to be able to play in the Windy City. He has that swagger that Jim McMahon had."
The Bears picked up quarterback Kordell Stewart in free agency, but that did not deter them from selecting Grossman with their second pick of the first round.
"We couldn't pass (him) up," coach Dick Jauron said.
Bethune-Cookman defensive back Rashean Mathis, who had 31 career interceptions, was chosen in the second round by Jacksonville, No.39 overall. He is the first B-CC player drafted since 1997, and the highest since Terry Williams went 37th to the Jets in 1988.
Florida State, which had two players drafted last season, had two picked on Saturday, second-rounders Anquan Boldin (Arizona) and Alonzo Jackson (Pittsburgh).
"It's a unique situation," said Boldin, who also played quarterback at FSU. "They lost their top three receivers and they're looking for me to contribute right away."
- Times staff writer Brian Landman contributed to this report.
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