Friday, November 12, 1999McCullough could be back
Ex-Miami star had 1,003 yards in the CFL
BY GEOFF HOBSON
The Cincinnati EnquirerFormer Bengals running back Deland McCullough was an interested bystander at practice Thursday. The Bengals might have that same interest once they start taking stock of who they have behind Corey Dillon next season.
McCullough, Miami University's greatest runner until Travis Prentice, showed up in his Winnipeg Blue Bombers sweat suit fresh off a 1,000-yard season in 14 CFL games.
Since he's in his option year, McCullough has a 30-day window after the NFL season to sign with an NFL team, or his rights revert to Winnipeg.
The Bengals are candidates since McCullough led the NFL in rushing for them in his rookie exhibition season in 1996 before ripping up his knee.
“We have a lot of regard and respect for him,” Bengals President Mike Brown said. “He was a great try-hard guy for us. One of the best all-out players we ever had here. To do what he did (in Canada) shows he must be recovered from that injury. It's not surprising given his makeup. He's a guy we'll probably look at in the offseason.”
Brown cautioned the Bengals already have four running backs behind Dillon, including rookie Michael Basnight. But Ki-Jana Carter and Brandon Bennett are coming off knee injuries, and Sedrick Shaw has yet to be active for a game. If the Bengals cut Carter after June 1, they only take a $1 million hit in the salary cap.
Richard Katz, McCullough's agent, said several teams have expressed interest and one already wants to work him out.
“My knee is explosive now, there's no discomfort and swelling, which was the problem in training camp,” said McCullough, cut in the Bengals' 1997 camp. “It's gotten better year after year.”
McCullough said he had 850 yards with four games left and started to count the bonus for 1,000. Then his carries disappeared.
“I'm still waiting for verification on it, it was kind of ridiculous to end up with 1,003,” McCullough said. “I'm just hoping that's behind me. My family is here in Cincinnati ... but anywhere in the NFL. That's all I'm shooting for.”
McCullough called Prentice about a month ago when he broke one of his school records and noted he's now chasing the all-time marks.
“He's going after the big boys now,” McCullough said. “That's fine. I said back in the day I didn't play for records but for respect.”
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