Error processing SSI fileWould Stanton consider NFL?
MSU quarterback says he 'probably' won't opt for the draft, but will play his senior season.
With his performance this season, Drew Stanton is considered among the best NFL quarterback prospects.
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EAST LANSING - Michigan State quarterback Drew Stanton could face a major decision in a couple of months.
For now, though, he says he's focusing only on this season and Saturday's game at Ohio State.
Although a junior, Stanton is drawing some attention for his NFL potential.
Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN ranks Stanton as possibly the third- or fourth-rated quarterback were he to leave school early and declare himself eligible for next spring's draft.
"I'm not even worried about that, to tell you the truth," Stanton said Monday, when asked about Kiper's evaluation. "I still have to go out there and perform and play well.
"I still have another year left after this. I love Michigan State. I said I wanted to be here when we got back to the top. I have another year of eligibility."
Stanton is a fourth-year junior because he was redshirted during his first season at MSU in 2002. Therefore, he would be eligible for the NFL draft in April, or he can return to East Lansing for a fifth year.
Kiper recently ranked Stanton behind Southern California senior Matt Leinart and Texas junior Vince Young, who also would be eligible for the draft.
Other junior quarterbacks who are considered possible early-round draft candidates include Notre Dame's Brady Quinn, Virginia Tech's Marcus Vick and Arizona State's Sam Keller.
So, will Stanton consider the NFL?
"Probably not," he said. "There are so many things that go into that.
"There's a lot of people that have a lot of say in all that (ranking players for the draft, etc.) It's something I can address down the line. I'm not worried about it now."
Goss pleases Smith
Kicker John Goss, who missed two crucial field goals in an overtime loss to Michigan, appears to be responding to the harsh public criticism from coach John L. Smith.
"(Sunday) was John's best day of kicking in a long time," Smith said.
Smith has been trying to motivate Goss and make him mentally tougher to handle pressure situations.
"We have a conversation daily," Smith said. "He knows I'm not a very kind individual. But he knows that we still love him. He loves us. He's going to get better.
"Like I told him, 'This is an opportunity for your skin to get real thick and that's what you need to be a good kicker. You have to have great thick skin. You will bounce back. You will prove that you're a good kicker because you do have talent.'"
Goss, who is from Grove City, Ohio, could get a chance to redeem himself back in his home state. He is one of 15 players on the Spartans' roster from Ohio.
Corey remains
Reserve defensive back Cole Corey remains on the team after being charged last week with 13 felonies, including five counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, stemming from an alleged incident occurring in April 2002.
"He's on the team still, exactly where he was," Smith said.
When pressed to explain his decision to keep Corey, Smith answered, "Is he guilty? Do you know that? Is it in the court? I don't want to talk about it."
Kicking updates
Todd Boleski, a redshirt freshman walk-on, could replace Brandon Fields or share the duties on kickoffs. Smith said he wants to start working Boleski into the kickoff rotation because he has a strong leg. The move would also allow Fields to concentrate more on punting.
... With Kyle Mayer still hampered by a groin injury, freshman walk-on Matt Haughey is now listed as Goss' replacement.
You can reach Dave Dye at dave.dye@detnews.com.
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