Last season, the NCAA's top rusher was Patrick Cobb of North Texas who had 307 carries for 1,680 yards and 19 touchdowns, a 5.47 yard per carry average.

Staley is now an "old" 23 years because of the battering his body has taken, in particular, his legs.

"I feel like I'm 40. . . . The weather changed the other day, and my legs started acting up and it's not fun. I guess I'm a has-been."

Before deciding to give up football this past winter, he was examined by an orthopedic specialist in Colorado at the same clinic Kobe Bryant visited. The doctor told Staley he had arthritis in his knees, and it will continue to get worse as the years go on. "I hope not, but that's what it looks like right now."

The last time Staley had knee surgery was in 2002 during his rookie season with Detroit. Of the six surgeries he's had on his knees, three of them were considered major jobs involving the anterior crucial ligaments.

Still, Staley says "my most favorite" time of his life was the days he played at BYU, especially that junior year. "It will always be a huge part of my life. It was a phenomenal way to go out."

That he can stick his hand in a business that involves his former team and program is just a bonus, according to Staley.

"You need to work at something you enjoy. It's for a cause I believe in and want to be a part of. As long as it keeps progressing and growing, I'm going to be there. It seems like a no-brainer for me to do this."

Staley, stopped at last. He may be domesticated but the guy remains connected.

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E-mail: dharmon@desnews.com