Colleges

Key underclassmen pondering early exits

Some could opt for NFL

By ANTONYA ENGLISH
Published January 9, 2007

GLENDALE, Ariz. - Florida's national championship victory may come with a price: the loss of some key players.

Defensive end Jarvis Moss and cornerback Ryan Smith said Monday night's game may be their last in orange and blue.

"The NFL is an attractive place for a guy like me," Moss said. "I actually want to break my news to my coaches before I say anything."

Said Smith: "I can't talk about that until I speak with my coaches."

Junior receiver Andre Caldwell said he will decide over the next three or four days whether he will forgo his junior season for the NFL.

"I just want to enjoy this win right now," he said.

GOOD FOOT: Chris Hetland got his redemption on the grandest stage of all.

After making 4 of 13 field goals during the season and enduring the wrath of fans, the senior promised that if called upon, he wouldn't let the Gators down. He kept that promise, hitting two field goals and five extra points. His kicks of 42 and 40 yards were season bests.

WHAT HEISMAN?: For the three weeks leading up to this game, the defensive players spent much of their time talking about how much they were looking forward to facing Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith. Florida got the best of Smith, totaling five sacks. The three in the first half matched the most Ohio State had given up in a game. Moss caused a Smith fumble that was recovered by Derrick Harvey. Three plays later, UF took a 34-14 lead.

LOT PARTY: Fiesta Bowl officials added 10,000 seats to the University of Phoenix Stadium, bringing capacity to 73,000, but demand still exceeded supply. So the stadium parking lot turned into an event in itself, with many fans set up with RV's to watch the game.

EXTENDED TRIP: By the time senior defensive end Joe Cohen gets back to Gainesville, he may have forgotten what his home looks like. He'll leave Arizona today for Hawaii and the Hula Bowl.

"I fly out after the game," said Cohen, who will be joined by cornerback Reggie Lewis and center Steve Rissler in Honolulu. "I'm not even sure when I get home; I haven't looked at the agenda. I brought way more clothes than anybody else. But I'm kind of ready to get home and see my daughter."

The Hula Bowl is Sunday.

NOTABLE: Quarterback Chris Leak completed his first nine passes, hitting four receivers on the opening TD drive. ... Lewis' interception in the second quarter was the sixth thrown by Smith, who had 297 attempts in the regular season. ... UF basketball coach Billy Donovan took his team to an undisclosed motel in Gainesville to watch the game.

Times staff writer Greg Auman contributed to this report. Antonya English can be reached at english@sptimes.com.

[Last modified January 9, 2007, 02:57:37]