The Associated Press

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - Willis McGahee had no problem climbing up two steps, making his way to the podium for his first press conference as a member of the Buffalo Bills on Thursday. Trouble is, it might be some time, possibly not until the 2004 season, before the Miami Hurricanes' star running back can prove what he can do on the field.

In making his first appearance in Buffalo since the Bills selected him 23rd in last weekend's draft, McGahee said he still needs time to recover after tearing three ligaments in his left knee in January.

"My condition is, I still have to rehab, I have to work on my knee," McGahee said. "It's really up to my doctors to see where I'm going. I just have to work every day. And we'll decide from there."

That doesn't mean he's not eager to play.

"I'm ready to explode, but I've got to take it easy," McGahee said. "I can't rush nothing. I've just got to sit back and wait."

McGahee's in town as the Bills prepare to open a three-day minicamp for rookies and newcomers this weekend. While he's nowhere near ready to suit up for practice, he plans to spend the sessions watching from the sideline.

"I'll be out there," he said. "I don't know what they'll have me doing. But I'll be there watching."

It's been a heady few days for McGahee, who's future went from uncertain to being the first running back selected in the draft.

Once considered a top-five prospect, McGahee's stock plummeted when he was hurt in Miami's championship game loss to Ohio State. Despite having successful reconstructive surgery, questions remained whether he would ever play again after setting school records with 1,753 yards rushing and 28 touchdowns last season.

The Bills haven't ruled out placing McGahee on the physically unable to perform list, allowing him more time to rehab. Under NFL rules, the Bills would have the option to activate McGahee between weeks 10-14.

McGahee's confident he will return to form, noting he spends two hours a day, six days a week working out.

"I think I'll even be better because the injury made me stronger in my mind," McGahee said. "I have something to prove to myself. People know what I can do, it's just the fact that I need to get back on the field and do it again."

McGahee considers his rehab over with. He's now concentrating on getting the strength back in his knee.

McGahee's selection created a stir for several reasons.

The Bills have an already well-stocked backfield featuring Travis Henry, the NFL's fifth-leading rusher last season, and Olandis Gary, who was signed a week prior to the draft.

After initially calling McGahee's addition "a slap in the face," Henry later welcomed his new teammate after being reassured his starting job was not in immediate jeopardy.

McGahee's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, also drew notice as he credited his own salesmanship for raising his client's stock.

McGahee wasn't complaining.

"He's a great agent," McGahee said. "He got me this far. I'm going to stay with him."

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