T.J. Duckett told The Associated Press he hasn’t made his decision on whether to forgo his senior season to enter the NFL Draft.
The Spartan star running back will announce his decision at 4 p.m. today at a press conference held in Clara Bell Smith Student-Athlete Academic Center.
A source close to Duckett told The State News for a Wednesday story that he will announce his bid for the 2002 NFL Draft. An anonymous source also told the Detroit Free Press for a Tuesday story that he was going pro.
But Duckett insists he hasn’t made up his mind.
“I haven’t made a decision yet,” he said Wednesday afternoon. “I know there’s a lot out there.
“But it won’t be final, and everybody will not know for sure until I tell them what I’m going to do.”
Even with Duckett saying he hasn’t decided his future, many people believe the one they call “Diesel” will no longer call MSU home.
Spartan fan Troy Ward and Wolverine fan Tim Hardin sat down Wednesday at an East Lansing sports eatery to relax, eat and debate their favorite schools’ age-old rivalry.
On this Wednesday, it centered around the Spartan superstar, of course.
The two football fans shared their opinions on what they thought about the junior running back and today’s press conference. Ward said he thought Duckett leaving would definitely hurt the Spartans, but Hardin had other thoughts.
Hardin, a Portland, Mich., resident, proudly sporting a hat showing his true colors - maize and blue - said seeing the junior running back forgo his senior season would be a blessing.
“He’s solid, he’s a great player, but I won’t miss him,” Hardin said, referring to Duckett’s 211-yard rushing performance and game-winning touchdown with no time left against Michigan on Nov. 3 at Spartan Stadium.
“After what he did to Michigan, it’s not a bad thing if he goes.”
For Ward it’s a little different. The 2001 MSU graduate said he is torn between what he would like to see Duckett do. He’ll still respect Duckett’s decision, though.
“I think personally as a big fan of State, I think I’d be kind of upset to see him go,” said Ward, who is also from Portland. “But as a realistic person, I’m saying you got to do what’s best for yourself.”
He said what upsets him most with an early Duckett exit, is the education he would leave behind.
“I disapprove of it,” he said. “You’re offered a free education, why not fulfill it?”
As for how the Spartan football team will fare next season, Ward said the running game will suffer, and he’s not the only one who thinks that.
Michael Campian, a director of the student football cheering section Bobby’s World, worries about next season’s ground attack.
“Losing him and Little John (Flowers), I’m not sure what will happen,” he said.
But Campian still believes the team will be competitive and will have a high-powered offense.
“I think we’ll be pretty good - Smoker is stepping up and (Charles) Rogers is amazing,” the chemistry junior said.
He said risk of injuries, draft selection and money probably all played a role in Duckett’s decision.
Chris Horton, a 2000 MSU graduate, said athletes leaving early is becoming a common trend and he’s not so sure it’s such a great idea.
“Look at Zach (Randolph), what’s he doing?” Horton said. “I think (Duckett’s) tough, but not tough enough.”
As for how the Spartans will fare next season, the East Lansing resident said the team will probably finish .500, no matter if Duckett stays.
“I think his best decision would be to finish up and get his degree.”
Ryan Wallace can reached at wallac89@msu.edu.
