Web posted January 1, 1998

By Rob Mueller
Staff Writer

ATLANTA -- If you read between the lines, Auburn linebacker Takeo Spikes seems a bit less distressed than his Clemson counterpart Anthony Simmons.

The former Washington County star, and Simmons, two of the nation's top junior linebackers, must decide by Jan. 9 if they will enter the NFL Draft.

The two Butkus Award semifinalists have addressed the possibilities this week as Auburn (9-3) and Clemson (7-4) prepared to face off in the Peach Bowl on Friday (ESPN, 3 p.m.).

But Spikes, although not definitive, sounds like he may be leaning toward turning pro.

When asked if a betting man in Las Vegas would be wise to wager on his return to Auburn for his senior season, Spikes advised: ``I'd wait another week.

``Yes, this is a difficult time, but I'm not going to do anything but concentrate on the game (Friday),'' Spikes added. ``The deadline is coming up fast, though, so I have to decide pretty quickly.''

Auburn coach Terry Bowden, however, is convinced Spikes will return.

``The indications are really strong that he would like to stay,'' Bowden said. ``If someone stepped in and said I know the exact place you'll be drafted and it's going to be this place, then you would get a definitive answer.''

If it was just wishful thinking on Bowden's part, the fifth-year Tigers coach sure did his best Wednesday to help sway Spikes back to the Plains.

``I think he'll be one of the three or four marquee players in America next year,'' Bowden said. ``And he'll have 12 months to be a marquee college player. Great name, good looking guy whose going to be in a Peyton Manning situation. I think Takeo has the opportunity to be one of those that will be a legend like Bo Jackson at Auburn.''

His former high school coach, Washington County's Rick Tomberlin, said he is unsure as to Spikes' intentions.

Spikes' return to Auburn could also figure heavily into the recruitment of Washington County stars -- linebacker Jessie Miller, the state's all-classification player of the year, and quarterback Terrence Edwards, the Class AA player of the year. Auburn is on both player's short list, and a desire to play with Spikes, Tomberlin said, is there for both.

``I kind of got the impression he was going to return to Auburn, but I've heard a lot of different things,'' Tomberlin said. ``I hope he takes the time to really think about this and I know he will. Takeo is a smart young man and I know he's going to make the best decision for him and his family.''

PAW PRINTS: Clemson freshman wide receiver Marcus Martin was suspended from the team Wednesday, Tigers coach Tommy West said, for ``missing a team function.'' He will not dress Friday and his status for next season is still undetermined. In 11 games, Martin caught six passes for 60 yards. ... Clemson offensive guard Glenn Rountree, who twisted his right ankle at practice Tuesday -- the same one he injured earlier this season -- may not start Friday, but is expected to play. ... Clemson will conduct a light workout in the Georgia Dome today while Auburn elected not to practice. Auburn also did not workout the day before the SEC Championship Game, which it lost 30-29 to Tennessee Dec. 6, also at the Georgia Dome.