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Friday, December 13, 2002
Fletcher and Bennett leave Wisconsin
Associated Press
MADISON, Wis. -- All-American cornerback Jamar Fletcher and
tailback Michael Bennett said Thursday they are skipping their
senior seasons at Wisconsin to enter the NFL draft.
Fletcher, who won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top
defensive back, had seven interceptions this season, including a
last-minute pickoff that preserved the Badgers' 21-20 victory over
UCLA in the Sun Bowl.
He intercepted 21 passes in 32 games, five of which were
returned for touchdowns, and figured he had nothing left to prove
in college.
Bennett began the season as an unknown commodity in trying to
replace Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne. But the four-time Big Ten
sprint champion ran for 1,598 yards -- third-best in the nation --
and 10 touchdowns in 10 games.
Still, he will turn pro despite knowing his game needs
considerable work.
The players made their announcements at a joint news conference.
"We've got to do what's best for us and that's moving on to the
NFL," Fletcher said.
While Fletcher's departure was expected, Bennett's came as a bit
of a surprise.
Bennett, though, was apparently concerned he couldn't duplicate
his junior season, his first as a starter, because the Badgers must
replace three fifth-year seniors on the offensive line.
Bennett acknowledged he could have used another year at the
college level to work on becoming more decisive at the line of
scrimmage and in the open field, drawbacks that stem from his
inexperience.
But he said the money made him do it.
"I have a chance to really establish myself financially," he
said. "And there's always the chance of injury if I come back."
NFL scouts and general managers are enamored with Bennett's
speed and several draft publications project the 5-foot-10,
205-pound tailback as a first-round pick.
"I will go out on a limb and say I'm fast enough for the NFL,"
Bennett said with a chuckle.
And Fletcher, who's a shade under 5-10, said he was plenty tall
enough for the pros.
"I won't be the shortest cornerback in the league and I
definitely won't be the worst," he said. "I can play the game of
football whether I'm 6-0 or 5-10. I do my thing on the field."
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