INDIANAPOLIS — The top running back in the NFL draft and the running back receiving most of the attention at this weekend's scouting combine is Deuce McAllister of Mississippi.

        What's that you say, Bengals fans? The team isn't in the market for a running back because president Mike Brown has said Pro Bowler Corey Dillon will be re-signed. Not so fast.

        Brown, who for months said the Bengals would match any offer Dillon receives in free agency, recently said he would match any offer except an outrageous one.

        Well, it can be argued the $60 million, eight-year offer Dillon's former agents say the running back turned down from the Bengals was outrageous to begin with and the Bengals would be wise to rebuild with several players Dillon's asking price would buy. The Bengals won four games with Dillon in each of the past two seasons, and they would probably win four games next season without him.

        Losing Dillon, who set a fran chise record with 1,435 yards rushing and a second consecutive Pro Bowl berth, is something the Bengals might have to prepare for.

        “I feel very good about our chances there, but at the same time, this is 2001. Who knows what's going to be there,” coach Dick LeBeau said Friday at the annual NFL scouting combine.

        “We've already expressed we want Corey. Our offer certainly states we hold him in high regard. We've stated we will match. Is there a figure we wouldn't match? I think so. But what is that figure? I don't know. Until it happens, we're dealing with an unknown.”

        If the Bengals decide to say good-bye to Dillon, “Yes, it would alter our draft preparation,” LeBeau said. “There are some very good running backs in this draft, and if you took Corey out of our mix, I think you would be looking at replacing him with another top running back.”

        Enter McAllister.

        The Ole Miss senior overcame shoulder and ankle injuries last season to rush for 767 yards and a 4.8-yard average. He also scored 16 touchdowns and had 18 pass receptions.

        The high ankle sprain and sprained shoulder are healed, he said. That's why he skipped the postseason all-star games. He wanted to be 100 percent for the combine.

        McAllister, who had 4,889 all-purpose yards in four seasons at Mississippi, could be available when the Bengals pick fourth April 21. Cleveland, which picks third, also has its eye on McAllister.

        Asked Friday what comes to mind when he hears the words Cincinnati Bengals, McAllister said, “Young quarterback, Akili Smith. He's a talented guy. You know, they've got Corey Dillon, so you've got to wait and see what happens with their situation. They have a lot of pride and a lot of players who want to win. So I would want to come in and help uplift everybody's play, not just mine.”

        The Bengals have requested an interview with him.

        Here's the scouting report on McAllister: He's 22, 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds. He's an excellent pass receiver who can line up wide, and he can return punts and kickoffs.

        Most draft forecasters rate him ahead of TCU's LaDainian Tomlinson, Wisconsin's Michael Bennett and Michigan's Anthony Thompson.

        One scouting report said of McAllister, “Versatile back that combines explosive athleticism and tremendous size. Might be the most complete back to come into the league in the last 10 years. Only downside is injury questions. Tough but sometimes attempts to come back too soon from injury.”

        McAllister said Friday he can play on every down.

        “I create mismatches with the defense, and that's what the game has evolved into,” he said.

        McAllister's also an intelligent player who's completing the final six hours he needs for a criminal justice degree and a minor in English.

        He was student body president as a senior at Morton High School in Morton, Miss., and he is grateful to the people who helped him reach the cusp of fulfilling his dream of an NFL career.

        He's a mature 22, due, in part, to watching his brother Demetrius die in November after a long illness. Deuce has perspective.

        “I'm thankful just to be here,” McAllister said. “Football becomes much smaller. It's just a game.”

        And when he signs a big contract, his first purchase will be a house and a car for his mother, Carnelia, who worked two jobs at a hospital and a discount store to take care of her children.

        “She kept the family together,” he said. “She has been instrumental in my life.”

Offense top priority for LeBeau Would Bengals draft RB first? Would Bengals draft RB first?

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