Terrell enters draft, may be top 10 pick

By Chris Duprey

Daily Sports Editor

Consistent with speculation, Michigan junior wide receiver David Terrell yesterday officially declared his intent to enter the 2001 NFL Draft.

The athletic department released a one-page statement around noon yesterday indicating Terrell's decision.

The decision came as no surprise. Terrell had made it clear that he wanted to wait until the end of the season to make an official announcement. He had until Jan. 12 to decide.

Most talent-evaluation experts predict Terrell will be a definite first-round pick and possibly a top-10 pick.

Terrell's stock jumped in value at the 2000 Orange Bowl, when he caught 10 passes for 150 yards and three touchdowns in front of a national-television audience. That was a major factor in Michigan's 35-34 overtime victory over Alabama, and it earned Terrell game MVP honors.

The Richmond, Va., native opted to stay for his junior year and be part of the Wolverines' explosive offense. As the No. 1 receiver and quarterback Drew Henson's go-to guy, he exploited opposing defenses to the tune of a school-record 1,130 yards. He had four 100-yard games.

Terrell ended the 2000 season just nine receptions behind Anthony Carter for the school record. Carter's record of 3,076 career receiving yards would also have been well in reach.

Michigan coach Lloyd Carr lauded Terrell at last week's Citrus Bowl for his talent and work ethic, while defending his character.

"He's a good person, he's a great kid, and he's done a great job for Michigan," Carr said.

"When you watch him in the future you'll see a guy that will be very successful and will do things that reflect positively on himself and the people that he's around."

Carr also said he counsels each player on a case-by-case basis about the decision to forgo his eligibility and enter the NFL Draft. He's not wholeheartedly against the concept of players leaving early - he just wants what's best for the individual.

Carr indicated he's advised some players to stay for their senior seasons, but that he has also encouraged dominating players such as Charles Woodson to enter the draft. Woodson was the last Wolverine to leave early.

DAVID KATZ/Daily

Wide receiver David Terrell's performance in the Citrus Bowl, where he caught 10 passes for 150 yards and scored three touchdowns, has raised his chances in the NFL draft.