NEW YORK, Jan. 22 (UPI) -- The National Football League has announced the names of 45 players who have been granted special eligibility for the 2003 NFL Draft on April 26-27.
The list includes three quarterbacks, 10 running backs, and seven wide receivers.
One of the running backs is Heisman Trophy candidate Willis McGahee of Miami, who might not be able to play next season.
McGahee suffered three torn ligaments in his left knee in the Hurricanes' 31-24 double-overtime loss to Ohio State on Jan. 3 in the Fiesta Bowl. He now is in rehab.
Doctors gave no timetable was given for McGahee's return to the gridiron, but they said the injury and rehabilitation process definitely will put a hold on his football future. The rehab program will be lengthy, and he could miss part or all of next season.
McGahee, a 6-1, 224-pound third-year sophomore, rushed for 1,686 yards and 27 touchdowns after beginning spring practice behind teammate Frank Gore on the depth chart.
He was a finalist for both the Heisman Trophy as the best player in the country and the Doak Walker Award as the nation's top running back.
Grossman was runnerup for the Heisman Trophy in 2001. In his three-year career as a Gator, the Bloomington, Ind., native competed 677-of-1,110 passes for 9,164 yards and 77 touchdowns with 36 interceptions. His pass efficiency rating was 147.25.
Grossman, 22, completed 287-of-503 pass attempts for 3,402 yards, with 22 touchdowns and 17 interceptions in 2002.
The wide receivers included Kelly Washington of Tennessee, Charles Rogers of Michigan State, and Shaun McDonald of Arizona State.
McDonald's ASU teammate, defensive end Terrell Suggs, also is on the list. Suggs was the nation's sacks leader last season, and won the Lombardi Award as the nation's best lineman.
