Maclin mum on his future plans

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Jeremy Maclin's not ready to leave for the NFL yet. Ask him again after a few more games.

Right now, Missouri's super sophomore is concentrating on helping the 12th-ranked Tigers finish strong.

"You dream of that as a little child, playing in the NFL," Maclin said. "That's everybody's dream, that's what you're here working for. But you've just got to approach that situation when it comes."

Maclin was an All-American in his first college season last year, setting an NCAA single-season record for all-purpose yardage by a freshman. He's been every bit as dangerous this season despite the opposition's efforts to avoid him, ranking second in the nation with 198.5 all-purpose yards per game.

Numerous services have the 6-foot-3, 210-pound wide receiver with the blazing 4.3 40 speed going in the first round next April, many projecting he'll go in the top 10. If they're on the money, no one could blame Maclin for leaving.

So, no, he's not surprised by the NFL question.

"I knew people were going to ask," Maclin said. "If I could answer them, I would answer them. I have no idea at this point."

Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said he'll discuss the situation with Maclin after the season. For the time being, it's all speculation.

"That isn't going to win games this year," Pinkel said. "So that's kind of how we're going to handle it."

Five Missouri juniors, including quarterback Chase Daniel, were evaluated by the NFL last winter. None of them were projected as early picks and all five returned.

Safety William Moore, one of those five, also has been projected as a potential first-rounder next April.

Daniel still is putting up huge numbers at Missouri after finishing fourth in the Heisman Trophy balloting last year. But it's uncertain where he'll get drafted because of perceived physical limitations, such as his height (maybe 6-0) and so-so arm strength.

There are no red flags for Maclin, a redshirt sophomore due to a knee injury that delayed the start of his college career for a season and thus eligible for the draft.

Pinkel couldn't be blamed for wishing Maclin would stick around for another season. But he realizes Missouri found a rare talent in the former Kirkwood, Mo., standout.

"He'll be better next year and the next year and the next year and the next year, when he does leave," Pinkel said. "The thing he's developed now is great work habits. You watch him in practice, he works his tail off."

Maclin believes the biggest improvement he's made is off the field.

"Video study, that's a big thing right there," he said. "I watched a little bit when I had to, and now I go above and beyond."

Often, that preparation combined with his physical tools leaves defenders grabbing nothing but air.

Maclin has scored 16 touchdowns this season -- nine receiving, four rushing, two on punt returns and one on a kickoff return.

In less than two seasons, he owns the school career all-purpose yardage record.

Last week's 41-24 victory over Kansas State in Columbia was Maclin at his best.

He piled up a season-best 278 yards and scored three scintillating touchdowns -- a 42-yard sprint off a simple swing pass, an athletic grab in the back of the end zone and a 56-yard jaunt on a direct snap during which he pulled away from futile pursuers.

"You've got to accelerate, man, you can't get caught from behind," Maclin said. "That's what I pride myself on. So I just run."