No Early Thoughts For Meachem

Posted Dec 26, 2006 by Adam Adkins

Updated Dec 26, 2006 at 07:08 PM

Everyone seems to be talking about a possible early jump to the NFL for Tennessee junior WR Robert Meacham. That is, of course, except Meachem.

The third-team All-American receiver, who led the Volunteers with 67 receptions for 1,265 yards and 11 touchdowns this season, insisted before Tuesday’s practice at the University of South Florida that he hasn’t thought about leaving school early for the NFL, and that his focus is squarely on Monday’s matchup against Penn State in the Outback Bowl.

‘‘I’m not thinking about that,’’ Meacham said. ‘‘All I want to do is go out with a bang.’‘

Meacham said he hasn’t contacted anyone seeking advice on the possibility of an early exit and that ‘‘if I had a nickel for every time somebody has asked me that, I might be rich.’’ But, he added that hasn’t stopped others from offering their two cents.

‘‘A lot of people say, ‘You’re a dummy if you come back and you’re a dummy if you go,’ ‘’ Meachem said. ‘‘So everybody has their own opinion, but I’m going to be the one who makes the last one.

‘‘Honestly, I haven’t thought about it at all. It may be crazy, but I haven’t thought about it.’’