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6 Gators checking draft prospects

MIAMI -- Two more Florida players have petitioned the NFL about their draft status, bringing to six the Gators trying to find out where they stand with pro scouts.

Tight end Aaron Walker and linebacker Mike Nattiel are the latest to submit requests to the NFL draft advisory board. Receivers Jabar Gaffney and Reche Caldwell, offensive lineman Mike Pearson and cornerback Lito Sheppard also have inquired. As of Saturday, none had received word from the NFL.

A NO-BRAINER: With rumors continuously swirling about coach Steve Spurrier's possibly departing for the NFL, pro football Hall of Famer Bob Griese said Saturday he doesn't think Spurrier should go.

"He'd be crazy," Griese said. "He's making $2-million, he's got all the players in the world that he wants and he can win nine games a year."

Griese also said Spurrier shouldn't quit while he's still young.

"He's only been here 12 years, he's a young man," he said. "He could break all the records of everybody. If you win nine or 10 games every year for 25 or 30 years, you'd be ahead of Joe Paterno, Bobby Bowden and all of them."

SENIOR SUPERLATIVES: Several Florida players will be on the rosters of senior bowl games this year. Kicker Jeff Chandler, defensive end Alex Brown and offensive linemen Zac Zedalis and Tommy Moody will play in the Hula Bowl. Linebacker Andra Davis and Brown will play in the Senior Bowl and tailback Robert Gillespie, cornerback Bennie Alexander and safety Marquand Manuel will participate in the Florida Gridiron Classic. Spurrier will be the offensive coordinator for the Hula Bowl under Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops. Stoops is a former Florida defensive coordinator.

PARKER STILL HOME: Defensive end Major Parker remained at home in Fort Lauderdale with his sick mother. It is unclear whether Parker will make the trip.

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