By DAVID JONES
Florida Today

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Rex Grossman decided to pass on his senior season at Florida and declare early for the NFL Draft, despite going from Heisman Trophy runner-up in 2001 to not even receiving an invitation to New York in 2002.

Is he making a mistake? Grossman has been forecast to go anywhere from the late first round - Mel Kiper projects him No. 27 to Pittsburgh - to midway in the second round, which can be a big difference at the bank.

The top 10 players receive an average signing bonus of about $1.5 million, plus $500,000 over the next three years. Second-round picks taken in the top half of the draft can expect a deal worth about $1 million over three years, plus a signing bonus between $300,000 and $400,000.

"I just want to go to a place that wants me," Grossman said. "I'll work hard and try to get into a good situation and make the most of my opportunities. Obviously, you can't pick where you want to go - like in high school going into college - so whatever team picks me, I'm going to be make the best out of it."

Grossman hired agent Eugene Parker to get him ready for what could be a big pay day. In addition to working on his footwork, speed and release, Parker also dealt with the other side of the selections, talking up Grossman's leadership ability and intangibles to NFL general managers and scouts.

While Florida suffered through an 8-5 season in 2002, Grossman may have benefited by showing his toughness in adversity.

"That's one of the things that they are really looking for because leadership is so vital at any level, especially at the NFL level," said Parker, the agent for Emmitt Smith, Deion Sanders and Ray Lewis. "And I think he just showed the pros even more leadership skills. Your leadership skills either become more evident or more exposed in adverse situations."

Ex-Gators coach Steve Spurrier remains a Grossman fan, although it's doubtful if his Washington Redskins would consider taking him if they had the chance. The 'Skins selected Patrick Ramsey in last year's first round as their quarterback of the future.

"Rex has proved that he can make all the throws and he's tough," Spurrier said. "He's courageous. He should be fine."

His workout in April in Gainesville convinced a lot of pro scouts, one last time, that Grossman is ready for the NFL.

"I think it just confirmed what we saw on game tape," San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks coach Ted Tollner said. "You like to see it in person. We wanted to confirm what we saw on game tape and that's what he did out there. We like guys who like to play the game."

Tollner also likes Grossman's competitive nature.

"It's your quarterback," he said. "You want a guy who loves to compete, no matter what the odds."

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey says Grossman didn't hurt himself at the NFL Draft combine in Indianapolis, either.

"He was impressive at the combine," Mularkey said. "He's a competitive guy and it has showed up at his workouts."

Grossman is a huge fan of Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre, with whom he's been compared. There's even some speculation the Packers will try to get him, if he's still on the board.

Green Bay picks 29th in the first round.

"I know a lot of people have (compared Grossman to) Brett Favre," Mularkey said. "I see a little a bit of that and I see a little bit of Bubby Brister, who I played with.

"He's kind of got that air about him when he's in the huddle. You feel like you've got a chance to win. He just comes across that way just talking to him and watching his mannerisms. I personally like that in that position."

Grossman passed for over 9,000 yards at Florida. He ranks in the top 20 all-time in Division I-A in passing efficiency. But his height - he's listed at 6-foot-1 - could work against him.

"I think that will be a factor, but I think in the end he will overcome that because there are a lot of good quarterbacks that are shorter than he is," Parker said.

There's no question he has the arm strength to play in the NFL. It's a big reason why Kiper lists him as the third-best quarterback prospect available, behind only Heisman winner Carson Palmer of Southern California and Byron Leftwich of Marshall.

Some point out Gator quarterbacks haven't gone on to stardom in the pros after working under Spurrier. Grossman is defensive about such a label.

"I know they have not been stars but Danny (Wuerffel) and Shane (Matthews) have been in the league since they left," Grossman said. "Shane is in his 11th year or something like that. They may not have been Troy Aikman, but they've stuck around.

"And for anyone to say that I'm not going to do well because they didn't do extremely well, that's ridiculous."

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