Staley isn't upset he left school early for the NFL. With a history of injuries that included having both knees and shoulders surgically repaired, several other arthroscopic procedures and the broken leg, going to the NFL seemed prudent. It still does. He knew several of BYU's best players were graduating, and odds of repeating in 2002 didn't seem good.

Even though NCAA figures say only 0.09 percent of high school football players eventually make it to the NFL, and just 2 percent of college players, Staley says staying in school is an individual decision.

"Their choice is (the same as) my choice," he said.

He only wishes he had taken more classes so he could have graduated sooner.

He hopes to become a financial planner or a pharmaceutical salesman if he can't play football. He also thinks of coaching. "Football has been a big part of my life," he said.

I asked the former Doak Walker Award winner if he gets recognized in the mall.

Again, a shy, self-deprecating laugh.

"Yeah, I do. They stop by for autographs sometimes," he said. "It's nice."

They ask about his knees, which he responds are fine. He could be out there right now.

Still, he says he can live with whatever happens.

"I'll either play or I won't," he said.

All great running backs can reverse field.

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E-mail: rock@desnews.com