ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times

DATE: Thursday, March 6, 1997                TAG: 9703060083
SECTION: SPORTS                   PAGE: B-1  EDITION: METRO 
DATELINE: KNOXVILLE, TENN.
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS

TENNESSEE WILL REMAIN PEYTON'S PLACE VOLS KEEP THEIR MANNING

Peyton Manning could've been the NFL's first pick. Now, Tech's Jim Druckenmiller could be first QB drafted.

Peyton Manning said they showed him the money, but he couldn't ignore his heart.

The Tennessee quarterback announced Wednesday he will postpone the riches of the NFL for one last season of college football.

The decision elated Volunteer fans and coaches, and drew respect from the NFL, whose lure is often more than undergraduates can resist.

``It was what I wanted to do for a long time,'' Manning said. ``I wanted to be 100 percent sure, and yesterday morning I woke up 100 percent sure.''

Manning, who was a likely top pick in the April 19 draft, now becomes the front-runner for the Heisman Trophy next season.

Archie Manning, a star quarterback for Mississippi and the New Orleans Saints, helped his son with information on agents and salary caps.

``Twenty-five, $30 million. I'm human. Believe me, I looked at the money,'' Peyton Manning said. ``I'm hoping the money's there next year, too, the good Lord willing I stay healthy.''

``But staying was strongest in my heart. I knew that's what I wanted to do.''

Coach Bill Parcells, whose New York Jets have the No. 1 selection, said he respected Manning's choice.

``I think the common feeling in this country today is that everybody sells out for the money and the opportunity,'' said Parcells, who had hinted the Jets would draft Manning.

``In Peyton's case, I admire his decision and think that it took courage to make it, and I wish him well. ... I think it's refreshing, really.''

Manning, who turns 21 on March 24, should graduate in May with a degree in speech communications.

``All situations are unique. I could never blame a guy for leaving early to go pro. That's their individual decision,'' he said.

Manning holds Tennessee records for career passing yardage (7,382), touchdowns (53), completions (576), attempts (904), completion percentage (63.7) and numerous single-season marks.

Only one other college quarterback, Jim Druckenmiller of Virginia Tech, is considered a first-round prospect. Danny Wuerffel, the Heisman Trophy winner from Florida, is projected at this point to go around the fourth or fifth round.

``I want pro football, believe me,'' Manning said. ``But I want college football one more year also, and it kind of came down to that.''

LENGTH: Medium:   59 lines
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:  ASSOCIATED PRESS. With head coach Phillip Fulmer 
          listening, Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning announces he will 
          return for his senior season. color.